Meet Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec who has gonna viral at the 2024 Olympics

Meet Yusuf Dikec, the 51-year-old Turkish sharpshooter who became a viral sensation during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Yusuf was competing in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event, Dikec, alongside teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan.

In the mixed air pistol team event, Dikec clinched the silver medal without using any high-tech aids; marking Turkey's first-ever Olympic medal in shooting

Unlike most competitors, Dikec stripped away unnecessary gear and had a nonchalant demeanor. 

While most shooters wear specialized lenses and ear protectors, he opted for basic yellow earplugs and regular glasses.

His unorthodox style that caught everyone's attention included him casually tucking one hand into his pants pocket while shooting.

Some say it helped stabilize his posture and reduce tension.

Social media amplified his fame. Fans turned him into a meme, celebrating his “dad at the range” vibe. But behind the humor lies a skilled athlete who found his own path to success.

One viral tweet humorously noted, "South Korea sent a fully-equipped athlete for Olympic shooting, while Turkey sent a guy without specialized lenses, eye protection, or ear coverage and still earned the silver".

This contrast was further highlighted by the presence of South Korean shooter Kim Yeji, who was celebrated for her modern style and poise.

Kim’s icy glare, Terminator-style glasses, and confident demeanor caught the internet’s attention.

She even sported a backward cap during a memorable performance. Social media dubbed her the “coolest person on the planet,” and she became the games’ first breakout star.

Here is a little history about him;

• Dikeç is a retired non-commissioned officer of the Turkish Gendarmerie and a member of the Jandarma Gücü Sports Club.
• After completing his primary schooling in his village, Dikeç enrolled in the Military School of Gendarmerie in Ankara.
• He served in various locations, including Istanbul, before joining Jandarma Gücü in Ankara, the sports club of the Turkish Gendarmerie.
• In 2001, he began his journey in sports shooting and has been competing in both the military national team and the national team since then.
• Dikeç is a multiple-time Turkish champion and holds national records in different categories of pistol events.
• In 2006, he set a new world record in the 25-meter center-fire pistol event at the CISM Military World Championships in Rena, Norway, scoring an impressive 597 points.
• He also won the bronze medal in the 10-meter air pistol event at the 2012 ISSF World Cup Final.