Shooting his way to a silver medal at age 51, Yusuf Dikec of Turkey isn’t one to succumb to the pressures of high-level competition.
A member of his country’s Olympic delegation dating back to 2008, Dikec helped score Turkey’s first-ever medal in shooting earlier this week by teaming with Sevval Ilayda Tarhan in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol.
But the way he did it earned him a worldwide legion of new fans
Casually competing without any specialized eye or ear protection, Dikec became one of the viral sensations of the 2024 Paris Olympics − with many social media posters comparing him and his demeanor to characters played by John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson in the movie ‘Pulp Fiction.’
Dikec reacts to his newfound fame
The silver-haired Dikec stood out from his fellow competitors in many ways. Most pistol shooters wear visors, large ear protectors and goggles with blinders to help them reduce glare and minimize distractions. Dikec, however, opted for only his prescription glasses and small yellow earplugs (that weren’t visible in many of the viral photos of him).
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Even the common practice among pistol shooters of firing with their non-shooting hand tucked in a pocket was seen as part of Dikec’s nonchalant charm.
‘I didn’t anticipate such a level of recognition,’ he told Turkish media as he returned home. ‘Since I shoot with my both eyes open, I don’t find the equipment very comfortable.’
After finishing 13th in his individual event, Dikec said his Olympic career isn’t quite over. He and Tarhan both told reporters they’re looking forward competing again in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
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