KUALA LUMPUR: Turkish air pistol shooter Yusuf Dikec and his team partner Sevval Ilayda Tarhan achieved a historic milestone on Wednesday when they helped Turkiye score its first-ever Olympic medal in the shooting discipline.
But that is not the only thing that caught the attention of sports enthusiasts who have been keeping tabs on the latest developments of the 2024 Paris Olympics
Dikec went viral after a picture of him with limited gear but exuding strong his 'aura' in the 10-metre air pistol mixed team event, went viral on social media.
In Olympic shooting, athletes use equipment such as lenses to prevent blurring, protective eyewear for enhanced safety, and ear protectors to reduce noise.
That was, however, not the case for 51-year-old Dikec. With a relaxed demeanor and one hand in his pocket, Dikec was seen wearing regular prescription glasses and earplugs.
"Turkey (Turkiye) sent 51 year old guy with no specialised lenses, eye cover or ear protection and got the medal silver," said an X user, @PicturesFoIder.
Another user, @NazNzr500 wrote: "Yusuf Dikec, simply is legend."
"Insane aura. Dikec of Turket shows up to the Olympics for shooting without special lenses... without ear protection... hand in his pocket and both eyes open.
"And casually takes home a silver medal," said @MeenaMahen59913