Olympic shooter breaks his silence after going viral for having no specialist equipment and still winning a medal
An Olympic silver medalist went instantly viral on social media for his equipment during a historic appearance.
Yusuf Dikec made history for Turkey winning their first ever medal in shooting alongside his teammate Sevval Illayda Tarhan in the 10m air pistol mixed team competition.
The 51-year-old became an internet sensation overnight after footage of his winning attire went viral on social media.
Unlike the vast majority of his competitors, Dikec opted against wearing any safety equipment for his eyes and ears and looked dangerously relaxed when stepping up to take his shot, resting his hand in the pocket of his pants.
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Despite his seemingly relaxed manner, Dikec has now revealed he was anything but during the finals.
“Our heartbeat is really beating. Is really so much beating. It is really hard to shoot in the final of the Olympic games,”
Dikec was competing in his fifth Olympic games and holds several titles from the World and European Championships for various pistol events.
He reportedly told the domestic Turkish media: “I did not need special equipment.
“I'm a natural, a natural shooter.”
If you’ve become a fan after seeing his success in Paris, you’re in luck, as Dikec also confirmed he would be aiming for a gold medal in Los Angeles in four years' time.
He added: “I am just very happy about five Olympic Games. We were very strong today in our competition.
“We next [come] to Los Angeles and win a gold medal.”
Dikec isn’t the only star to go viral during a shooting event after South Koren pistol shooter Kim Yeji also rose to fame for her confident demeanour and dramatic stance.
Kim won a silver medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event after being beaten by her teammate Oh Ye Jin.
The duo are actually roommates during the event and Kim will get another chance at a gold medal in the women’s 25m pistol event.
Marcus Banks