Paris Olympics 2024: Turkish Shooter Yusuf Dikec Takes The Internet By Storm After His Silver Win

Amidst a spirited campaign at the Paris Olympics, Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec has taken the internet by storm. The 51-year-old shooter bagged a silver medal in the mixed team 10m air pistol event. However, it’s not his win that has surprised netizens, but the way he competed in the prestigious tournament. The Olympics, by far, can be easily termed as an athlete’s biggest dream to conquer. Thus, every athlete who gets a chance at the Games ensures they come forward with the best gear to avoid any element that can hamper their performance. Dikec, on the other hand, approached the shooting event in the most nonchalant way. Dressed in a T-shirt, with no specialized goggles aiding his precise aim and one hand in his pocket, Dikec bagged the silver medal, subsequently launching the internet into a humorous frenzy.

Yusuf Dikec won the silver medal in the mixed team 10m air pistol event with his partner Sevval Ilayda Tarhan. The same event witnessed Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh winning a bronze medal. Moreover, Serbia’s Zorana Arunovic and Damir Mikec won the gold medal in the event. However, soon after the conclusion of the mixed team tournament, a picture of the Turkish shooter went viral on the internet.

Turkish Shooter Yusuf Dikec Goes Viral

The audience, accustomed to seeing shooters geared in specialized goggles, earplugs, and ear protection, were surprised at Dikec’s appearance. The 51-year-old competed at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre in a T-shirt and flip-flops. To top it off, Dikec took his precise aims with no specialized goggles but prescription glasses. Moreover, the ear protection was replaced by normal earplugs in Dikec’s case.

Dikec’s photos went viral as internet fanatics started a meme fest. The shooter's demeanor even earned a reaction from Elon Musk, who tweeted “Nice!” over a tweet that read, “Turkey sent a 51-year-old dude with no specialized lenses, eye cover, or ear protection, and secured the silver medal.” Moreover, others noted Dikec’s appearance mirroring that of an assassin as a user wrote, "I know a trained assassin when I see one.” "Did Turkey send a hitman to the Olympics?” another added.

The 2024 Paris Olympics was Dikec’s fifth participation in the tournament. The 51-year-old made his Olympics debut at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, the silver win this season was Yusuf Dikec’s first Olympic medal.