Turkish Shooter Yusuf Dikec Becomes Web Sensation at Paris Olympics – Hollywood Life

The cool, calm, and picked up Turkish pistol shooter has found himself within the grips of online fandom while securing a silver medal on the 2024 Paris Olympics on Tuesday.

Yusuf Dikec, alongside his partner Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, took second place within the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event. But what noticeably stood out was Dikec’s lack of drugs— special lenses or big ear protectors—for the competition.

Essentially the most-shared images show Dikec shooting in a T-shirt with one hand in his pocket, a seemingly standard pair of glasses, and an unfazed look on his face. He’s been likened to a daily guy off the road competing on the Olympics, and even an unsuspecting hitman.

legend pic.twitter.com/iPpNOrfyiL

— non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) July 31, 2024

The 51-year-old isn’t any newcomer, though. He’s competed at every Summer Olympics since 2008.

“I didn’t need special equipment. I’m a natural, a natural shooter,” Dikec was quoted as telling Turkish media, in accordance with EuroNews.

Teammate Tarhan, who spoke with Reuters, expressed that the overnight celebrity status is well-earned.

“I’m pleased with him, nevertheless it’s not that he doesn’t have equipment,” the 24-year-old said. “He’s used to shooting with regular glasses and doesn’t need extra gear. It’s a private thing and he’s comfortable that way.”

Yusuf Dikeç who competed and won a silver medal 🥈 on the Men’s 10m air pistol shooting for Türkiye, goes viral for all the best reasons. Cool cat … 😎 🤣 🇹🇷 #Paris2024

🎨 by @ dontlikethatbro pic.twitter.com/ox69mtnZNR

— Hey! Dip Your Toes In (@dipyourtoesin) August 2, 2024

Dikec himself seems surprised, if a bit baffled, by the web’s interest in something that comes so easily to him.

“I didn’t anticipate such a level of recognition,” he told Turkish media on his arrival back to his home country. “Since I shoot with my each eyes open, I don’t find the equipment very comfortable.”

“No lens, no headphones, just vibes,” Eurosport wrote on X. “Turkey’s Yusuf Dikec wins silver and fans’ hearts.”

Essentially the most “Essential Character Energy” I’ve ever seen in my life.pic.twitter.com/ExuXVxB3VB

— Del Walker 🇵🇸 (@TheCartelDel) July 30, 2024

The viral photo got here after South Korean air pistol competitor Kim Yeji also went viral for looking like a movie star during her turn on the Olympics. Her confident demeanor and dramatic stance have brought praise on social media for her “most important character energy”.

“The Olympic #shootingsport stars we didn’t know we wanted,” the official Olympics account on X posted Thursday with pictures of Kim and Dikec.

Kim won silver in the ladies’s 10-meter air pistol event Sunday behind her South Korean teammate Oh Ye Jin.