Turkish Olympic shooter Dikec ‘battling storms inside,’ despite relaxed look

Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, who won a silver medal with Sevval Ilayda Tarhan in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, returned home to a hero’s welcome.

Arriving at Istanbul Airport on a Turkish Airlines flight from Paris, Turkish Olympic shooter Dikec and his teammate were greeted by officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and a group of young athletes. The celebratory atmosphere was a testament to the significance of their achievement, as they brought home Türkiye’s first Olympic medal in shooting.

Reflecting on his performance, Turkish Olympic shooter shared insights into his unique approach to the sport. Known for his calm demeanor, he often competes without the typical shooting gear such as lenses, eye patches, or ear protection.

This relaxed appearance, however, belies the intense mental and emotional battle he experiences during competitions. “We might look relaxed, but we are battling storms inside,” Dikec explained. Despite his composed exterior, the pressure and stress are immense, requiring immense focus and control.

Dikec emphasized that his choice to avoid excessive gear stems from his need for comfort and his belief in showcasing natural talent. Shooting with both eyes open, he finds it challenging to adapt to too much equipment.

His approach, which might appear unconventional to some, has become a defining characteristic of his style, garnering attention and admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike.

During the intense final match against Serbia’s Damir Mikec and Zorana Arunovic, Turkish Olympic shooters Dikec and Tarhan narrowly missed the gold medal, finishing with a score of 16-14. Despite the close loss, their performance was celebrated as a historic milestone for Türkiye.

Turkish Olympic Shooter Dikec’s relaxed stance, even in the face of such high stakes, was a focal point of discussions on social media, further highlighting his unique approach to the sport.

Speaking to the press upon his return, Dikec expressed his satisfaction with the results of his 24 years of dedication. “We went to the Olympics with the prayers of 85 million people supporting us and did not return empty-handed,” he noted.

Competing in his fifth Olympics, Turkish Olympic Shooter discussed his long-standing commitment to representing Türkiye. Looking ahead, he stated that their next goal is the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. He humorously mentioned a conversation with Damir, the gold medalist, where he said, “We are entrusting the gold to you; we will take it back in 2028.” Confident in their future success, Dikec believes they will win the gold medal in 2028, potentially marking the end of his illustrious career.

Dikec’s remarkable performance in Paris, characterized by his calm exterior and fierce internal determination, not only earned him and his teammate a historic silver medal but also inspired many within and beyond Türkiye. His story is a powerful reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and the true battles often lie beneath the surface.