When it comes to events at the Olympics, it's fair to say that those involving shooting are rarely among the most popular for spectators.
There is of course a huge amount of skill involved in such events, hitting targets at range with remarkable accuracy. In saying that, it usually does not make for the most entertaining spectacle for those in the arena or watching from home.
However, one shooting competitor in Paris has captured the imagination of the public.
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People Going Crazy For Turkish Shooting Silver Medalist At Olympics
For those unfamiliar with shooting at the Olympics, there is often quite a bit of high tech equipment involved in the sport. Things such as special lenses, blinders, headphones, and even special jackets are commonplace in such events.
The most "Main Character Energy" I've ever seen in my life.pic.twitter.com/ExuXVxB3VB
— Del Walker 🇵🇸 (@TheCartelDel) July 30, 2024
Then you have Yusuf Dikec.
The 51-year old Turk would bring home a silver medal for his country in the mixed shooting. What captured the attention of those who watched him partake in the event was the casual nature of his approach.
No lens, no headphones, just vibes 😳 Turkey's Yusuf Dikeç wins silver and fan's hearts 🤩#Olympics #PARIS2024 pic.twitter.com/zok4qWjZvF
— Eurosport (@eurosport) August 1, 2024
There was no high tech equipment for Dikec, who almost looked like he was picked out of the stands and allowed to have a go in between rounds featuring the actual Olympians.
Despite this, he would record the highest individual score in the final of his event, powering Turkey to a silver medal.
The nonchalance he displayed in Paris has certainly captured the imagination of the public.
The Olympic #shootingsport stars we didn’t know we needed.
🇰🇷 Kim Yeji 🤝 Yusuf Dikeç 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/gfkyGjFg4I— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 1, 2024
— Adrian Dittmann (@AdrianDittmann) August 1, 2024
Yusuf Dikeç from Turkiye came with only his glasses and won the silver medal at the Olympics. King like John Wick is on the world agenda👏
pic.twitter.com/2xWtfDxDnh— Tansu Yegen (@TansuYegen) August 1, 2024
I think I’m gonna have to take a closer look at the Olympic Pistol competition
First we got South Korean Kim Yeji. Who’s a total badass. Then comes Turkish competitor Yusuf Dikeç. Who casually goes out and wins the Silver with one hand in his pocket! pic.twitter.com/uPbcwYhnzD— Bacula8630 (@bacula8630) July 31, 2024
South Korea sent a fully-kitted out player for the Olympic shooting.
Turkey sent an guy with no specialized lenses, eye cover or ear protection and got the silver medal pic.twitter.com/8xJOr9qCPf— LogKa (@LogKa11) July 31, 2024
insane aura
51-yr old Yusuf Dikec of Turkey shows up to the Olympics for shooting without special lenses…
without ear protection…
hand in his pocket & both eyes open…
and casually takes home a silver medal pic.twitter.com/qRB3kwRZmz— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) July 31, 2024
I’m gonna tell my kids these were the Avengers pic.twitter.com/LtxdFUxbpS
— greg (@greg16676935420) July 31, 2024
51 yr old Turkish guy (Dikeç) with no specialized lenses, eye cover or ear protection and got the silver medal.
Hand in pocket comfort level! 😂 pic.twitter.com/f2rr3zHtDO— Figen (@TheFigen_) July 31, 2024
I love how everyone uses specialized lenses for shooting to avoid blur and increase precision...
But then Turkey sends out a guy who looks like he just picked up the gun for fun and wins silver.
(h/t @paposfut) pic.twitter.com/KXHCHDccpp— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) July 31, 2024
Athletes in their 50s winning medals at the Olympics is certainly a rarity, while seeing them do so in this manner is an every more eye-catching event.
Yusuf Dikec has been competing at the highest level of his sport for the best part of two decades, winning events at both European and world level during that period.
This is the first occasion that he has won a medal at the Olympics.
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