Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec was the personification of “cool” as he became an overnight internet sensation after winning a silver medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 51-year-old athlete’s laid-back demeanor and unconventional approach to the sport have captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
Unlike most competitors who use specialized glasses for enhanced precision and ear protectors to block out noise, Dikec wore a simple pair of regular glasses and earplugs. His relaxed posture, with one hand casually in his pocket, only added to his mystique.
As soon as the news of his victory broke, social media erupted. Users on X (formerly known as Twitter) quickly turned Dikec into an icon, praising his cool and composed style. “Turkey sent a 51-year-old dude with no specialized lenses, eye cover, or ear protection, and secured the silver medal,” posted one fan, a sentiment that even caught the attention of Elon Musk, who simply responded, “Nice.”
Others joined in on the fun, with one user joking, “I know a trained assassin when I see one,” while another quipped, “Did Turkey send a hitman to the Olympics?”
Dikec’s performance at the Paris Olympics marks his fifth appearance at the Games, having first competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. A seasoned shooter, he holds a world record from the 2006 CISM Military World Championships in Rena, Norway, where he scored an impressive 597 points in the 25 m center-fire pistol event.
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