Turkish pistol shooter Yusuf Dikec has gone viral on social media for his unconventional victory in the 10-metre air pistol event at the Paris Olympics. The 51-year-old Olympian captured global attention when he competed without protective gear or special lenses, unlike his peers, during the mixed team event. Dikec’s casual appearance and remarkable performance led to a flood of Turkish-language memes, which he embraced on Instagram, celebrating his newfound “main character energy.”
Dikec and his partner, Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, secured the silver medal, with India’s Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh taking bronze. “I hope next in Los Angeles (for) a gold medal,” Dikec stated, looking ahead to the 2028 Summer Games.
Born in 1973, Yusuf Dikec has participated in every Summer Olympics since 2008. At the Paris Games, he also competed in the 10m Air Pistol Men, ranking 13th. According to the Paris Olympics website, Dikec’s hobbies include dancing. He began shooting in 2001 after starting work as a non-commissioned officer for the Gendarmerie General Command, an armed enforcement agency in Turkey. This agency, which maintains security and public order, has a history dating back to 1839.
Dikec’s biography on the Olympics website highlights his belief that “success doesn’t come with your hands in your pockets,” despite the irony of him being seen with a pocket in his hand while aiming. A four-time Olympian, Dikec also boasts seven European championships among his numerous achievements.
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