Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, 51, captured the internet’s attention at the 2024 Paris Olympics for his no-frills gear during the shooting tournament.
Despite clinching the silver medal, it was Dikec’s appearance that sparked widespread fascination.
Competing in the mixed team 10m air pistol event alongside his partner, Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, Dikec stood out by wearing only prescription glasses and earplugs.
His appearance was wildly contrasted to most competitors who wore specialized goggles and ear protection.
Dikec’s unique look and impressive performance quickly went viral, with many online users admiring his “charismatic stance.” Fans have even created sketches celebrating his distinct style.
トルコのおじさんあまりにかっこよくてスケッチしてしまった 描いてみるとあらためてわかるんですけど姿勢の美しさがすごいわ pic.twitter.com/DAjEvKowDV
— さかき (@sakakir) August 1, 2024
One X user commented, “This Turkish man was so cool that I had to sketch him. When I drew him, I realized how beautiful his posture is.” Another added, “I respectfully salute Gendarmerie Petty Officer Senior Sergeant Yusuf Dikec, who revitalized our sense of charisma. His extraordinary stance and the silver medal win at age 51 have made him a global sensation.”
Pijama kıyafetlerle yok olan karizmamızı şu olağanüstü karizmatik duruşuyla kurtaran ve şu an bütün dünyada “51 yaşında eli cebinde gümüş madalya kazanan Türk” olarak konuşulan Jandarma Astsubay Kıdemli Başçavuş Yusuf Dikeç’i saygıyla selamlıyorum. O palyaço kıyafetlerinden sonra… pic.twitter.com/GuxZ9XyzML
— Öznur Küçüker Sirene (@SireneOznur) August 1, 2024
This marks the first time Dikec has won an Olympic medal since he began competing in the Games in Beijing in 2008.