Turkish Olympic shooter Yusuf Dikeç has become a viral sensation after securing a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics without any specialized equipment. The 51-year-old athlete competed in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event with only his prescription glasses, while his rivals used advanced optical gadgets.
Dikeç, with his hand casually in his pocket, stood out for his nonchalant demeanor. He and his partner, Şevval İlayda Tarhan, took second place, narrowly losing to the Serbian duo Zorana Arunović and Damir Mikec.
Social media erupted with admiration for Dikeç’s unconventional approach. A viral post on X highlighted his success, stating, “Turkey sent a 51-year-old guy with no specialized lenses, eye cover, or ear protection and got the silver medal.” The post garnered nearly 90 million views.
Dikeç, a retired non-commissioned officer of the Turkish Gendarmerie, is no stranger to the sport. Paris 2024 marks his fifth Olympics, having competed in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020. He holds multiple titles from the World and European Championships.
In response to the viral attention, Dikeç stated, “I did not need special equipment. I’m a natural, a natural shooter.” His relaxed style even drew praise from official Olympic social media accounts, celebrating him as an unexpected star of the shooting sport.
Interestingly, South Korea’s Kim Yeji also went viral for her high-tech gear and composed demeanor, contrasting Dikeç’s laid-back approach. Both athletes have captured the hearts of social media users worldwide, leading to a flurry of memes and playful commentary.
Also read: South Korea Introduced as North Korea at Paris Olympics 2024
Dikeç’s achievement demonstrates that sometimes, natural talent and confidence can outshine advanced equipment and techniques.
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