Sports
Yusuf Dikec Makes Waves at Paris Olympics Shooting Event
In a remarkable moment at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec teamed up with Sevval Ilayda Tarhan in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event on Wednesday.
The duo not only secured Türkiye‘s first-ever Olympic medal in shooting but also showcased Dikec’s unusually calm demeanor, which instantly caught the attention of fans around the globe.
In the nail-biting final against Serbia’s Damir Mikec and Zorana Arunovic, Dikec stood out with his relaxed style. Breaking away from the norm, he opted for a no-headphones approach and even kept one hand in his pocket during the competition. His laid-back attitude sparked a wave of admiration on social media, with viewers applauding his ability to stay composed under pressure.
This thrilling match took place at the Chateauroux Shooting Center, ending with Dikec and Tarhan just shy of gold, finishing with a score of 16-14. Despite the close finish, their performance was hailed as a historic milestone for Türkiye.
Dikec, born on January 1, 1973, in Goksun, Kahramanmaras, is not new to competitive shooting. He has previously represented Türkiye in the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics and has also earned medals at the 2013 Mediterranean Games held in Mersin.
In Paris, Dikec’s relaxed demeanor especially stood out compared to his Serbian rivals, who were decked out in high-tech gear, complete with specialized lenses and noise-canceling headphones. His unique and easygoing approach resonated with many fans, turning him into a bit of a social media star both in Türkiye and around the world.