Every Olympics turns athletes into superstars. The 2024 Olympics is no exception, with Yusuf Dikec, the Turkish shooter, becoming an internet sensation overnight. He snagged a silver medal in Mixed 10m Air Pistol Shooting, making history as Turkey’s first-ever Olympic medalist in shooting. His laid-back approach and nonchalant look went viral across the world.
With interest in him being at an all-time high, we have researched various online forums to compile a list of 12 things that you should know about Yusuf Dikec.
Turkey Born And Bred
The 51-year-old Yusuf Dikec has been making waves ever since he won the silver medal at the Olympics. Born in the tiny village of Taşoluk in Göksun, Turkey, on January 1st, 1973, his journey kicked off in 1994 after he joined the Military School. Dikec studied at Gazi University of Physical Training in Ankara and got his Master’s in Coaching from Selcuk University in Konya, Turkey.
Lives By A Motto
When he’s not shooting, Dikec is a self-proclaimed dance enthusiast. Also, a bit ironically, he lives by the motto, “Success doesn’t come with your hands in your pockets.” He began shooting professionally in his late 20s, and since 2001, he’s been a powerhouse on both the military and national shooting teams. His life motto has helped him bag multiple Turkish championships and set records in pistol events.
Sporting Career
The silver medal at the Olympics 2024 isn’t the first time Dikec has made the news. In 2006, he set a world record in the 25m center-fire air pistol at the CISM Military World Championships. Medals kept coming as he let his performance speak for itself at the most important shooting events. His most recent win came at the 2021 European Championships, with a bronze medal for the 10m pistol team event.
A True Minimalist
While the rest of the participants used all the available equipment, Dikec made the news for not using them. He showed up at the event in what looked like everyday glasses, with one hand in his pocket and barely any protective equipment for his ears or eyes. Unlike his competitors, he managed to win the silver medal without using tinted lenses or custom-made glasses.
The Viral Moment
Dikec’s viral moment went beyond his silver medal win. It was his casual approach with a hand in his pocket during the event that caught everyone’s attention. However, the quirky stance was never about showmanship or artistry. Instead, it has helped him feel more balanced and motivated while shooting. The blend of his relaxed style and confident aura has turned him into an internet meme sensation.
Both Eyes Open
Since going viral, Dikec’s rare ability has come to the forefront. The calm shooter shoots with both eyes open, which is rare among shooters. However, it isn’t just a part of his stance. He adapted to this approach after a lot of research, and this unique approach without any prominent gear makes him a global fan favorite.
The Dikec Way
During the finals, Yusuf Dikec kept it super minimalistic. Even though it seemed like he didn’t wear any gear, he actually did. He wore a pair of yellow earplugs to block out distractions. The earplugs were not initially visible in the viral images, and many assumed he had no gear on. He kept things simple and focused, proving that one can perform at one’s best, even without complex gear.
All Eyes on Gold
Even with his minimalist approach, Dikec keeps his eyes on the big picture. At 51, he’s not slowing down and wants to start preparations for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. His dedication to the sport remains strong, and he’s eager to start training to win a gold medal. Despite his age, his focus and determination are as sharp as ever, proving that age is no barrier to pursuing dreams.
Dikec’s take on Fame
After earning fame overnight, Yusuf Dikec has been embracing it like a true sportsman. He’s been replying to interviewers with a smiling, confident aura and reposting video compilations of his memes circulating the internet. Behind all his calming charm, though, lies a true patriot who has dedicated his success to his country.
Olympics Journey
Since his Olympic career yielded little glory, Dikec’s silver medal at the 2024 Olympics feels like a crowning achievement. His Olympic journey began in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics, where he finished as the 44th-best shooter. While he never missed an Olympic Games since debuting in 2008, his best result before 2024 was a modest 13th-rank finish in the Men’s Free Pistol 50-meter event at the 2012 London Olympics. Despite these setbacks, his dedication and perseverance paid off with the silver medal, marking his first Olympic podium finish.
Military Career
In 1994, Yusuf Dikec joined the Military School of Gendarmerie in Ankara. After graduating, he became a corporal and was stationed in Mardin. By 1999, he was back at the Military School of Gendarmerie, graduating as a sergeant. He spent a year in Istanbul before moving to Jandarma Gücü in Ankara, the Turkish Gendarmerie’s sports club, where he continued to develop his shooting skills. He is a retired non-commissioned Turkish gendarmerie officer and a Jandarma Gücü Sports Club member.
A Cat Person
If being a nonchalant shooter wasn’t enough, Dikec quickly won over fans when some photos of him with a cat started doing the rounds on the internet. The charming and unexpected images struck a chord with many, showcasing a more personal and endearing side of him that resonated widely. This newfound popularity on social media helped solidify his status as a fan favorite.
