If coolness had a face, it would surely be that of Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec. The 51-year-old athlete, who clinched a silver medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event at the Paris Olympics, did so with an air of effortless composure—often seen with his hand in his pocket and without any special gear. This nonchalant stance has not only made him a popular figure online but has also inspired a flood of memes.
Back in Turkey with his teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan after their Olympic triumph, Dikec shared his thoughts with Turkey’s Anadolu news agency about the relaxed posture that captured so much attention. He explained, “It was the position where I felt most comfortable and my body was the most stable. Despite appearing calm on the outside, internally I was in turmoil.” He was surprised by the buzz his posture generated, noting, “I never expected it to become such a sensation. I simply got into position and took the shot.”
A Long Road to Success
The fascination with Dikec led to a lot of misinformation, including false claims about his background, such as being a mechanic who turned to shooting after a divorce. While his personal life remains private, it is evident that his calm demeanor stems from years of dedication. A former Turkish Army sergeant, Dikec began his shooting career in 2001 and has since competed in five Olympic Games: 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024.
In his interview, Dikec pointed out, “Some people say, ‘It looks so easy; you won a medal with your hand in your pocket.’ What they see on the outside doesn’t reflect the 24 years of hard work behind the medal. I train 4-5 hours a day, six days a week.”
Dikec has previously secured medals in European and world championships, as well as in the Mediterranean and Islamic Solidarity Games. He mentioned, “What was missing from my collection was an Olympic medal. I would have considered retiring if I had won gold. However, since we only won silver, I’m motivated to keep going. Both Ilayda and I are very capable, and with God’s blessing, we aim to secure the gold in 2028.”
Daughter’s Encouragement
Dikec recounted a motivational conversation with his nine-year-old daughter, Basak, before heading to Paris. “Basak is my everything, my source of life. Before I left, she gave me advice. When I asked her about gymnastics, she said, ‘Tell yourself you can do it, just like I do.’ Speaking with her the day before the event helped focus my mind.”
Basak expressed her excitement about watching her father compete and wished him success, encouraging him not to be disheartened by not finishing first.
Dikec emphasized that the essence of being an athlete lies in maintaining professionalism, behavior, and lifestyle while representing one’s country. “Yusuf Dikec is merely a name and a symbol. I’m honored to be recognized as a Turkish athlete rather than just by my name.”
He hopes his success will inspire young Turkish shooters. “I started this sport relatively late, at 28. Initially, simply reaching the finals in competitions felt like an achievement. Now, after 24 years, even finishing second in the Olympics feels disappointing. We have many talented young shooters who will surpass us. Though I am older now, we’ve demonstrated that hard work leads to success. It’s not just about wanting something intensely but about the effort you invest to achieve it,” he said.
