51-Year-Old Turkish Shooter Goes Viral for Winning Medal Without Any Gear

One of the unlikely heroes to come out of the 2024 Paris Olympics was that of competitive shooting. Yusuf Dikec, a 51-year-old Turkish air pistol shooter, swept the world off its feet with his marksmanship but even more so with the exceptionally casual approach toward the sport he took towards it.

Having been paired with 24-year-old Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, Dikec took silver in the mixed team event in the 10-meter air pistol on July 30. It wasn’t so much the performance as the very unusual style of Dikec that lit up social media.

Unlike the friends, who were all dressed in fancy shooting apparatus, Dikec cut a striking figure with his simple prescription glasses and nonchalant hand-in-pocket stance. This was a far cry from what most people picture when they think of an Olympic shooter, so such a contrast prompted quite a bit of admiration, along with some funny speculation, from online users.

“Turkey sent a 51-year-old dude with no specialized lenses, eye cover or ear protection, and secured the silver medal,” one social media user said. Some people joked that he must be a “trained assassin” or wondered if Turkey had “sent a hitman to the Olympics.”

Dikec’s road to Olympic success is as interesting as his style. A five-time Olympian, he debuted in Beijing back in 2008. His military background—he served as a non-commissioned officer for the Gendarmerie General Command—brought him into shooting as an athlete.

After the event, in which they took silver, Dikec expressed his joy on social media: “I am so happy to have won the first Olympic medal in the republic’s history for my country of 85 million that sent us off with their prayers.”

His partner, Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, also has her dreams added to the team. She is targeting to be one of the biggest athletes in Turkey and is eyeing at least to compete in 10 Olympic Games.

The 2024 Paris Olympics has been a hotbed for viral moments. Another shooting star, South Korea’s 31-year-old Kim Ye-ji, rose to the challenge of becoming an Internet sensation. Her futuristic, steampunk-esque glasses and the cool demeanor with which she performed during her silver medal win in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event captured the viewers worldwide.

From unexpected winners to heartwarming demonstrations of sportsmanship, like American swimmers Torri Huske and Gretchen Walsh sharing a top podium, it has supplied unforgettable moments that go way beyond the medal count.

The games go on, but already, fans everywhere are salivating at more surprise performances and inspiring stories from athletes that remind us how often the most remarkable feats can sometimes come from the most unlikely sources.

Article Source: Bored Panda