The internet community shocked to discover Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, nicknamed ‘hitman,’ competing at the Paris Olympics with minimal gear.
Yusuf Dikec, a Turkish Olympic shooter, has recently captured the attention of people worldwide.
Competing at the Paris Olympics, his confident demeanor and minimalist approach to gear made him a standout figure.
People are now eager to learn more about this man who was dubbed “hit man” with his standout shooting skills.
Who is Yusuf Dikec?
Yusuf Dikec is a skilled shooter from Turkey, born on January 1, 1973.
He has been involved in shooting sports for many years, representing his country in various international competitions.
His talent and dedication to the sport have earned him recognition and respect within the shooting community.
Recently, the Turkish pistol shooter has become a sensation on social media for his seemingly casual attitude while competing at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The most shared image shows Dikec shooting in a T-shirt with one hand in his pocket, sporting a standard pair of glasses, and maintaining a stoic expression while making his shots.
He has been compared to a regular guy participating in the Olympics or even likened to a hitman.
Yusuf Dikec’s journey to the Olympics
This 51-year-old former Turkish Gendarmerie officer is no stranger to the Olympics, having competed in every Summer Olympics since 2008.
Memes circulating online contrast Dikec with his Serbian opponent Damir Mikec, who was heavily geared up with a blinder over one eye, a lens over the other, and large ear defenders.
Dikec, along with his shooting partner Sevval Ilayd Tarhan, made history by winning the silver medal in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol shooting event.
This achievement marked Turkey’s first-ever Olympic medal in shooting.
Unlike Dikec, his teammate Tarhan competed with more traditional shooting gear including large ear defenders and a visor.
While Dikec finished 13th in his individual event at the Paris Olympics, he is already looking ahead to the next Games in 2028 with hopes of securing a gold medal.
‘I hope next in Los Angeles (for) a gold medal),’ he said.
‘We are among the best pistol teams,’ Dikec stated.
How does he feel about the widespread recognition following his performance?
Embracing his newfound viral fame, Dikec reposted a video compilation of Turkish-language memes about him on his Instagram page.
After his return to Turkey, Dikec was welcomed as a hero, enjoying a celebratory reception.
Expressing surprise at the level of recognition he received, Dikec revealed the reason why he competed without any equipment
‘I didn’t anticipate such a level of recognition,’ he told Turkish media.
Why did Yusuf Dikec compete without any traditional equipment?
He explained that even though he looked calm and relaxed, inside he was dealing with intense emotions, feeling like his heart might explode.
“We might appear at ease, but inside we are battling a storm, and it feels like our hearts might burst.
We strive to keep this from showing,” Dikec said.
Because of this, he chose to focus on comfort and familiarity in his shooting style instead of sticking to the traditional one.
He also claimed that traditional shooting equipment was uncomfortable due to his preference for shooting with both eyes open.
‘Since I shoot with my both eyes open, I don’t find the equipment very comfortable,’ Dikec shared
Shooters at the Olympics can choose what they wear for competitions. Dikec’s simple gear has caught the internet’s attention.
His cool and laid-back demeanor amidst the intensity of the Olympic competition has attracted many.
