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Olympic shooter Yusuf Dikec establishes new victory symbol for global athletes

Olympic shooter Yusuf Dikec establishes new victory symbol for global athletes Australian Nina Kennedy, Fenerbahce's Irfan Can Kahveci, Hungary's David Betlehem adopting Yusuf Dikec's pose in Paris 2024 Olympics. (Created in Canva)
By Selin Hacialioglu
Aug 9, 2024 1:40 PM

Yusuf Dikec, a Turkish marksman, captured global attention at the Paris 2024 Olympics not only for winning a silver medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event but also for his unique shooting style.

Dikec’s pose, where he shoots with one hand casually in his pocket and without traditional shooting gear, has become a worldwide sensation.

This distinctive stance, now known as the “Dikec Pose,” has been embraced by athletes across various sports as a way to celebrate their achievements.

Olympic shooter Yusuf Dikec establishes new victory symbol for global athletes
Sweden’s Armand Duplantis celebrates with the famous shooting pose of Turkish Olympic silver medalist shooter Yusuf Dikec at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, France, Aug. 5, 2024.​​​​​​​ (AA Photo)

Swedish pole vaulter Duplantis celebrates record with Dikec’s pose

The Dikec pose first gained international recognition when Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis broke his own world record with a 6.25-meter jump.

After his victory, Duplantis struck the Dikec Pose at Stade de France. This move quickly caught on, with Duplantis’ gesture going viral and cementing Dikec’s influence beyond the realm of shooting sports.

Olympic shooter Yusuf Dikec establishes new victory symbol for global athletes
Australian Nina Kennedy celebrates winning gold in the women’s pole vault with a 4.90-meter jump with the Dikec pose, Paris, France, Aug. 8, 2024. (Photo via Reddit)

Nina Kennedy, Roje Stona celebrate gold with Turkish marksman’s pose

More athletes soon followed Duplantis’ lead. Nina Kennedy from Australia, who secured gold in the women’s pole vault with a 4.9-meter jump, celebrated her win with the Dikec Pose.

Jamaican discus thrower Roje Stona also joined in, marking his Olympic record of 70 meters with the same gesture. The Dikec pose continued to gain popularity among Olympians, symbolizing their triumphs on the global stage.

Olympic shooter Yusuf Dikec establishes new victory symbol for global athletes
Fenerbahce’s Irfan Can Kahveci celebrates after his score against Lille with the famous shooting pose of Turkish Olympian Yusuf Dikec during UEFA Champions League match, France, Aug. 6, 2024. (AA Photo)

Kahveci, Dessers use Dikec pose in UEFA celebrations

Dikec’s influence has extended beyond the Olympic Games and into the world of football. Fenerbahce’s Irfan Can Kahveci and Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers both adopted the Dikec Pose to celebrate their goals during recent UEFA Champions League matches.

Kahveci struck the pose after scoring a free-kick in the 80th minute against Lille, while Dessers responded to fan support with the same gesture after scoring an equalizing goal in the match against Dynamo Kiev.

Ajax player Steven Berghuis also joined in, celebrating his goal against Panathinaikos in a UEFA Europa League match with the Dikec Pose, which was later shared widely on social media.

Dikec pose becomes symbol of triumph for Hungarian Swimmer Betlehem

The Dikec pose has not only become a popular celebration but also a symbol of triumph for athletes worldwide. David Betlehem, a Hungarian swimmer, struck the pose after finishing third in the men’s 10-kilometer marathon swimming event in the Seine River, further demonstrating the widespread appeal of Dikec’s unique style. In Türkiye, Berke Akcam, who represents the country in the 400-meter hurdles, made the pose before his semifinal race as part of his pre-race routine.

Dikec’s impact on the sports world is undeniable. His distinctive shooting style has crossed over into various sports, becoming a universal gesture of success. Athletes worldwide are now using the Dikec pose to express their joy and pride, making it a defining feature of the Paris 2024 Olympics and beyond.

Last Updated:  Aug 27, 2024 11:00 AM