Turkish marksman Yusuf Dikec has gained widespread attention since becoming an online sensation at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Representing Turkey in the 10 metre air pistol competition, Yusuf attracted attention not just for his skills but also because of the unique eyewear some athletes used. The specialist eyewear became a topic of discussion among fans.
Among these athletes was South Korea’s Kim Yeji, who wore glasses designed to cover her left eye, with a special lens for her right eye to enhance her shooting accuracy.
Many people remarked on the futuristic appearance of these glasses, comparing them to something from a cyberpunk narrative.
On the other hand, Yusuf amazed people for a different reason, as he competed without any specialized eyewear, using only his regular glasses.
Yusuf demonstrated such exceptional shooting skills that he apparently had no need for the specialist glasses.
Teaming up with Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, Yusuf secured the silver medal in the 10 metre air pistol event.
Having become an online sensation, Yusuf has now shared his thoughts for the first time.
Clearly elated by their achievement, Yusuf expressed his determination to perform just as well at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
“I am just very happy about five Olympic Games. We were very strong today in our competition,” he said.
Looking ahead, both Yusuf and his teammate are aiming for a gold medal in 2028.
“We next [come] to Los Angeles and win a gold medal,” Yusuf declared.
Discussing his choice to forgo specialized equipment, he told domestic Turkish media, as reported by EuroNews: “I did not need special equipment, I’m a natural, a natural shooter.”
He also remarked: “Success doesn’t come with your hands in your pockets.”
Paris 2024 marked Yusuf’s fifth participation in the Olympics. Although he did not use any special eyewear, he did wear yellow earplugs to minimize distracting noises.
A seasoned athlete, Yusuf has previously been both a European and a World Champion.
Some competitors use additional headgear like visors to reduce glare, or blinders like Kim’s to help their aiming eye focus better.
Social media buzzed with comments about Yusuf, with one user saying: “I love how everyone uses specialized lenses for shooting to avoid blur and increase precision…
“But then Turkey sends out a guy who looks like he just picked up the gun for fun and wins silver.”
Another user humorously commented: “Did Turkey send a hitman to the Olympics?”
Despite his composed exterior, Yusuf’s teammate Sevval revealed the intense pressure he felt, saying: “He had so much anxiety, so much pressure on his heart.
“Our heartbeat is really beating. Is really so much beating. It is really hard to shoot in the final of the Olympic games.”