Turkish Shooting Star Yusuf Dikec Captivates Fans with Nonchalant Style
Turkish shooting sensation Yusuf Dikec, who captivated the world with his nonchalant style at the Paris Olympics, has become a global icon. His popularity has soared, with fans and admirers flocking to meet him at the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi.
Dikec’s silver medal in the mixed team 10m pistol event, alongside Sevval llayda Tarhan, propelled him to stardom. His unique style, featuring a simple Team Turkiye t-shirt and a hand in his pocket, stood out amidst the highly technical equipment used by other shooters.
The contrast between Dikec’s relaxed demeanor and the precision required in shooting made him an instant sensation. Memes and re-shares of his performance flooded social media, turning him into one of the most recognizable athletes at the Olympics.
Despite his newfound fame, Dikec remains grounded. “I am happy to get so much love from people, but sometimes I get angry,” he says with a laugh. “Life has changed after the Paris Olympics, but I am doing my normal things, shooting, training. We celebrated at home. My daughter is very happy watching me win the medal in Paris.”
Paris marked Dikec’s fifth Olympic appearance, and his first time on the podium. “For me, the happiest thing is that after five Olympics, I have a medal. It will help shooting become more popular in Turkey. Youngsters are already taking interest in the sport,” he said.
Dikec’s signature pose has been widely imitated, with athletes and celebrities alike paying homage to his cool-as-can-be style. Swedish pole vaulting champion Mondo Duplantis, cricketer Kieron Pollard, and Dutch footballer Steven Berghuis are among those who have recreated the pose.
When asked about the secret behind his relaxed approach, Dikec explains, “I don’t use any equipment because it makes me relaxed. I can concentrate better.” While most shooters rely on lenses and iris diaphgrams, Dikec relies solely on a pair of earbuds.
Despite missing the cut at the ISSF World Cup, Dikec remains optimistic about his future. He aims to return to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028, at the age of 55. His determination and unique style continue to inspire fans around the world.