"Never imagined such fame in India” - Turkish shooter and internet sensation Yusuf Dikec opens up on fanfare during time in India [Exclusive]
If the term 'nonchalant' had to have a face, it would probably be that of Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec. The Summer Olympics in Paris gave the world many a new superstar, but, none bigger than Yusuf. It is difficult to think of an image that has reached more households than Dikec's iconic one-hand-in-pocket pose.
One would imagine that his popularity is a result of his silver medal win in Paris. However, in Dikec's story, his achievement is only secondary. Instead, the 51-year-old shooter is now best known for being an internet sensation. It was all after a picture of him competing without any eye gear, with one hand in his pocket went viral.
What ensued was unmatched fame for the star shooter. Yusuf Dikec was in a conversation with Sportskeeda during the ISSF World Cup Final 2024 in Delhi.
"I myself never saw this coming. I was just focused on performing my skill. What followed was absolutely amusing to see. I am here in India for the first time and getting such massive attention. I never imagined such fame in India (smiles). But, I am happy this has also put much spotlight on shooting, a sport that I love," said Yusuf.
The pistol shooter also opened up on how this new-found fame has affected his life. For Yusuf, the attention and constant fanfare might get tiring sometimes. But for his family, and especially his daughter, life has become quite entertaining.
"I do enjoy all this fanfare and craze for me. But, sometimes the constant requests for pictures does get a bit tiring. But for my daughter, life has become a lot more entertaining and lively. She follows all social media trends and to have her father trend online is a thrilling feeling. She even walks around proudly at school now," shared Dikec with a wide grin.
My shooting style was ingrained in me during my military days: Yusuf Dikec on his viral pose
Though the world was left amused by Yusuf Dikec's shooting style at the Olympics, for the shooter, it was just another day at work. Dikec explained that he was just doing what he had been doing as a shooter for years now. He shared that it was in fact during his time in the military that he picked up the style.
"I did not do something deliberately to grab attention. For me, this is how I shoot for years now. I was a part of the military and we never practiced with any gear or equipment during my time there. Having learnt the craft that way, I never felt the need for any special eye gear or anything else that is usually worn in competitions," Yusuf concluded.
Yusuf Dikec is the perfect example of the impact social media and the internet holds in the times we live in. After years of performing on numerous sporting stages. The love and recognition that this talented ace shooter is now getting is well deserved.