Turkish archer with a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics: without equipment, but with victory
3 august 2024 в 06:37
The calm and composed Turkish shooter from the pistol found himself embraced by the online fandom, winning a silver medal at the Olympics in Paris in 2024 on Tuesday.
Yusuf Dikech, along with his partner Sevval Ilaidja Tarhan, took second place in the mixed team discipline in the 10-meter air pistol event. But what caught attention was Dikech’s lack of special equipment — special lenses or large headphones — for the competition.
The most common images show Dikech shooting in a t-shirt with one hand in his pocket, wearing what appear to be regular glasses and a indifferent expression on his face. He has been compared to an ordinary guy from the street participating in the Olympics, or even an inconspicuous mercenary.
At 51 years old, he is not a newcomer. He has participated in all Summer Olympics since 2008.
«I don’t need special equipment. I am a natural shooter», - Dikech was quoted by Turkish media, citing EuroNews.
Partner Tarhan, who spoke to Reuters, expressed the opinion that his status as a night star is well deserved.
«I am proud of him, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have equipment», - said the 24-year-old girl. «He is used to shooting with regular glasses and doesn’t need additional gear. It’s a personal matter, and he finds it comfortable».
Dikech himself seems surprised, but slightly puzzled by the internet’s interest in how easily he excels.
«I did not expect this level of recognition», - he told Turkish media upon returning to his home country. «Since I shoot with both eyes open, I don’t find equipment very comfortable».
«No lenses, no headphones, just vibes», - writes Eurosport on X. «Turk Yusuf Dikech wins silver and fans' hearts».
The viral photo appeared after South Korean air pistol shooter Kim Eunji also went viral, looking like a movie actress during her performance at the Olympics. Her confident demeanor and dramatic pose garnered praise on social media for her «leading character energy».
«Olympic shooting stars we didn’t know we needed», - wrote the official Olympics account on X with photos of Kim and Dikech.
Kim won silver in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event on Sunday behind her compatriot Oh Ye Jin
Yusuf Dikech, along with his partner Sevval Ilaidja Tarhan, took second place in the mixed team discipline in the 10-meter air pistol event. But what caught attention was Dikech’s lack of special equipment — special lenses or large headphones — for the competition.
The most common images show Dikech shooting in a t-shirt with one hand in his pocket, wearing what appear to be regular glasses and a indifferent expression on his face. He has been compared to an ordinary guy from the street participating in the Olympics, or even an inconspicuous mercenary.
At 51 years old, he is not a newcomer. He has participated in all Summer Olympics since 2008.
«I don’t need special equipment. I am a natural shooter», - Dikech was quoted by Turkish media, citing EuroNews.
Partner Tarhan, who spoke to Reuters, expressed the opinion that his status as a night star is well deserved.
«I am proud of him, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have equipment», - said the 24-year-old girl. «He is used to shooting with regular glasses and doesn’t need additional gear. It’s a personal matter, and he finds it comfortable».
Dikech himself seems surprised, but slightly puzzled by the internet’s interest in how easily he excels.
«I did not expect this level of recognition», - he told Turkish media upon returning to his home country. «Since I shoot with both eyes open, I don’t find equipment very comfortable».
«No lenses, no headphones, just vibes», - writes Eurosport on X. «Turk Yusuf Dikech wins silver and fans' hearts».
The viral photo appeared after South Korean air pistol shooter Kim Eunji also went viral, looking like a movie actress during her performance at the Olympics. Her confident demeanor and dramatic pose garnered praise on social media for her «leading character energy».
«Olympic shooting stars we didn’t know we needed», - wrote the official Olympics account on X with photos of Kim and Dikech.
Kim won silver in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event on Sunday behind her compatriot Oh Ye Jin
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
