The calm, collected and collected Turkish pistol shooter won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Tuesday, but it caught the attention of fans online.
Yusuf Dikekalong with his partner Sevall Iraida Talhanplaced second in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event. But Dickek was conspicuous by his lack of competition equipment, such as special lenses or large earplugs.
The most shared image shows Diekek in a T-shirt, with one hand in his pocket, seemingly normal glasses and a calm expression as he fires his gun. He has been likened to an ordinary street guy competing in the Olympics, or even a clueless hitman.
Legend pic.twitter.com/iPpNOrfyiL
— Unaesthetic (@PicturesFoIder) July 31, 2024
But the 51-year-old is no rookie: He has competed in every Summer Olympics since 2008.
“I didn’t need any special equipment. I’m a born shooter,” Dikek was quoted as telling Turkish media. Euronews.
His teammate, Tarhan, Reuterssaid it was no surprise that he had become an overnight celebrity.
“I’m proud of him, but he’s not without equipment,” said the 24-year-old. “He’s used to shooting with normal glasses and doesn’t need any extra equipment. It’s a personal thing and he feels more comfortable that way.”
Yusuf Dikeci, who represented Turkey in the men’s 10m air pistol shooting and won the silver medal 🥈, is making headlines for all the right reasons. So cool… 😎🤣🇹🇷 #Paris2024
🎨 From @dontlikethatbro pic.twitter.com/ox69mtnZNR
— Hey there! Dipping my toe in (@dipyourtoesin) August 2, 2024
Dickek himself seems a bit perplexed and amazed that the Internet is showing interest in something that seems so simple to him.
“I didn’t expect it to be so well received,” he told Turkish media upon returning to his home country. “I don’t think this tool is very comfortable because you shoot with both eyes open.”
“No lenses, no headphones, just the atmosphere,” Eurosport wrote. X“Türkiye’s Yusuf Dikets wins silver medal, captures the hearts of fans.”
This is the most “protagonist energy” I’ve ever seen in my life.pic.twitter.com/ExuXVxB3VB
— Del Walker 🇵🇸 (@TheCartelDel) July 30, 2024
The photo in question was taken by a Korean air pistol athlete. Kim Ye-ji She also made headlines for her movie-star likeness during the Olympic games, her confident demeanor and dramatic presence hailed on social media as “leading lady energy.”
“The Olympic shooting sports stars we didn’t know we needed,” the official Olympic account said. X It was posted on Thursday along with a photo of Kim and Dikek.
Kim won the silver medal in the women’s 10-meter air pistol on Sunday, behind her South Korean teammate. Oh Ye Jin.