Turkish Olympic shooter Yusuf Dikec goes viral for his relaxed attitude at Paris 2024
Damir Mikec and Yusuf Dikec competing in 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team in 2024 Paris Olympics on July 31. (Photo obtained via TRT)
In a stunning display of calm and composure, Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, alongside Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, secured a silver medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Wednesday.
Their performance not only brought Türkiye its first Olympic medal in shooting but also highlighted Dikec’s notably relaxed demeanor, which captured the attention of fans worldwide.
During the intense final match against Serbia’s Damir Mikec and Zorana Arunovic, Dikec stood out for his unconventional approach. Eschewing typical shooting gear, he competed without headphones and even kept one hand casually in his pocket. This laid-back attitude did not go unnoticed, as social media buzzed with admiration for Dikec’s ease under pressure.
The match, held at the Chateauroux Shooting Center, was a thrilling contest that saw Dikec and Tarhan narrowly miss the gold with a final score of 16-14. Despite the close loss, the Turkish pair’s performance was celebrated as a historic achievement for their country.
Yusuf Dikec, born January 1, 1973, in Goksun, Kahramanmaras, is a seasoned shooter and Senior Chief Warrant Officer in the Turkish Gendarmerie. His career includes representing Türkiye in the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics, as well as winning medals at the 2013 Mediterranean Games in Mersin.
In Paris, Dikec’s relaxed presence on the shooting line, especially without the usual high-tech gear like his Serbian competitors’ specialized lenses and noise-canceling headphones, added to the spectacle. His unique approach resonated with many, turning him into a social media sensation both in Türkiye and internationally.
