Turkish-trained shooter Yusuf Dikeç did not need serious equipment to thrive in the air pistol competition, as he won a silver for Turkey at the 2024 Olympics.
With one hand in his pants pocket, Dikeç, 51, shot his way to second place, marking a historic moment for his home country and making him go viral on social media.
Serbia’s Damir Mikec and Zorana Arunović won gold and India’s Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh took bronze.
Shooters are allowed some freedom in what they wear, The Associated Press reported. Most wear large ear protectors and visors or blinders over one eye to help with focus and to reduce the glare of the lights.
However, Dikeç skipped the fancy, high-tech gear and wore just small yellow earplugs and a seemingly regular pair of glasses. His partner, Şevval İlayda Tarhan, also didn’t wear any blinders and kept one hand tucked in her pocket.
“I did not need special equipment. I’m a natural, a natural shooter,” Dikeç was quoted as telling Turkish media, according to EuroNews.
Many fans thought he looked cool in his element.
“No lens, no headphones, just vibes,” Eurosport wrote on X. “Turkey’s Yusuf Dikeç wins silver and fan’s hearts.”
“Turkey sent a 51-year-old guy with no specialized lenses, eye cover, or ear protection and got the silver medal,” a user wrote.
