Olympic games: 51-Year-Old Yusuf Dikec becomes internet sensation, wins silver in pistol shooting (Video)

Reactions have greeted the brilliant display of a 51-year-old Turkish pistol shooter Yusuf Dikec, who won a silver medal for Türkiye at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Dikce became an internet sensation shortly after he secured his silver medal with minimal gear.

Unlike other shooters who use modern equipment such as lenses, eyelid protectors, or ear protectors, Dikec competed with no protective wear, making him the most talked-about figure on social media at Paris 2024.

“It looks easy from the outside, but storms are raging inside us,” Dikec said during his interview with Turkish broadcaster TGRT.

“We came with the prayers of 85 million. Our goal was a gold medal; we will win it in 2028,” he added, mentioning that he did not expect to garner that much attention.”

Commenting on his competition success, Dikec said: “First of all, I am very happy to achieve such success. We came with the prayers of 85 million. Our goal was a gold medal, but we narrowly missed it. When a competitor goes to a competition, they should bring their fate, sustenance, and luck.”

“Our luck wasn’t with us today. I missed by one point, and two of our teammates also missed in the same way. I wished it could have been gold, but it wasn’t,” he added.

“While shooting, you have the weight of 85 million people on your mind. This is my fifth Olympics. We did not return empty-handed; we were well-prepared. In the last press release, they asked about it. We have entrusted this gold medal to Los Angeles 2028. We will win the gold medal in 2028,” Dikec said.

On X, @CleavageCrumbs said “He casually walked in, took out his piece, took the shots, and just as casually walked out without even waiting for his medal. I think he’s done this before — under different circumstances, of course.”

@AimThaMachine_ on his part said, “He came in with both eyes open and one of his hand in his pocket. That’s a 51 year old man who is here to make a statement and sure he left with something… A silver medal.”

GalatasarAI_  lavished praises on the athlete. He said, “There are no headphones. No special glasses, lenses and equipment. He received the Olympic silver medal in the 10 meter air pistol with a comfortable shot in the hand pocket. Petty Officer Senior Sergeant Bad Yusuf Dikeç…”

Watch video of Yusuf Dikec’s brilliant outing here