Turkish marksman Yusuf Dikeç required neither special lenses nor large ear protectors to secure the silver medal in the air pistol team event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Casually, with one hand in his pocket, the 51-year-old Dikeç claimed second place, creating a historic achievement for Turkey and propelling himself to internet stardom.
Serbia’s Damir Mikec and Zorana Arunović won gold and India’s Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh took bronze.
Shooters are allowed some freedom in what they wear. Most wear large ear protectors and visors or blinders over one eye to help with focus and to reduce the glare of the lights.
But Dikeç skipped the fancy, high-tech gear and wore just small yellow earplugs and a seemingly regular pair of glasses. His partner, Şevval İlayda Tarhan, also didn’t wear any blinders and kept one hand tucked in her pocket. Their win was Turkey’s first medal in an Olympic shooting event. I did not need special equipment. I’m a natural, a natural shooter,” Dikeç was quoted as telling Turkish media.
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