In a remarkable display of composure and skill, Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, alongside Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, clinched a silver medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Wednesday. Their exceptional performance not only marked Türkiye’s first Olympic medal in the shooting but also underscored Dikec’s notably relaxed demeanour, which drew widespread attention from fans around the globe.
Dikec's unique approach during the high-stakes final against Serbia’s Damir Mikec and Zorana Arunovic was particularly noteworthy. Unlike many competitors, Dikec chose not to wear headphones and even kept one hand casually in his pocket, exuding a calm confidence that resonated with spectators. This unconventional style contributed to the social media buzz, where fans admired his ability to stay at ease under intense pressure.
The nail-biting final took place at the Chateauroux Shooting Center and was a closely contested battle. Dikec and Tarhan narrowly missed out on the gold medal, finishing with a final score of 16-14. Despite the narrow defeat, their performance was celebrated as a significant and historic accomplishment for Turkish shooting sports.
Yusuf Dikec, born on January 1, 1973, in Goksun, Kahramanmaras, is not only a seasoned shooter but also a Senior Chief Warrant Officer in the Turkish Gendarmerie. His extensive career includes representing Türkiye in the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics and winning medals at the 2013 Mediterranean Games held in Mersin.
Overall, Dikec and Tarhan’s achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has brought immense pride to Türkiye, highlighting their dedication and the potential for future success in international shooting competitions.