Turkish sharpshooter Yusuf Dikeç wins silver at Paris Olympics with minimal gear, becomes internet sensation
Turkish sharpshooter Yusuf Dikeç secured a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in air pistol, gaining online fame for his minimalist gear.
Yusuf Dikeç, at the age of 51, achieved a remarkable feat by winning the silver medal in the air pistol mixed team event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Competing on August 1, 2024, Dikeç's performance was marked by his minimalist approach, using only small yellow earplugs and regular glasses, while his partner, Şevval İlayda Tarhan, also avoided high-tech gear.
This victory was historic for Turkey as it represented the country's first medal in an Olympic shooting event. Dikeç and Tarhan's casual demeanor, with both keeping one hand in their pockets, contrasted sharply with competitors who used specialized equipment, enhancing their focus and reducing glare from lights.
The internet quickly celebrated Dikeç's unconventional style and his natural talent for shooting. Fans highlighted his lack of specialized equipment and his easy-going attitude, which stood in stark contrast to other athletes like South Korea's Kim Ye-ji, who was noted for her high-tech gear and futuristic lenses during the women's event.