 "Viral Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec reacts to sudden fame: 'Never expected to create such a stir")
Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, who became an internet sensation after winning a medal at the Paris Olympics without using the most sophisticated gear, has said that his intention was never to cause a “stir” but is happy that people are talking about Turkey and Turkish athletes.
While shooting athletes use specialized goggles and ear muffs to cancel noise, Dikec won the mixed team 10m air pistol silver with Sevval Ilayda Tarhan by using prescription glasses and earplugs.
“I never expected it to create such a stir. As always, we got into our shooting positions and made our shot. This is not only my success, but the success of the Republic of Turkey,” Dikec said in an interview with www.aa.com.tr. “We prepared very well for this competition. We wished we would have won the gold medal, but it was gone at the last moment. We made it to the finals by shooting the Olympic record. This was both a relief and a bit of pressure for us. We fought well with Ilayda until the last moment, we fought well.”
Olympics: Turkish shooter becomes internet sensation after silver win with limited gear
One of the things that were most talked about about Dikec was his shooting in the Olympic events with one hand in his pocket.
Dikec said his shooting style is derived from the need to be comfortable while taking crucial shots.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“It was the position where I felt the most comfortable and could keep my body the most stable. Although we looked calm on the outside, there was a storm inside us. I didn’t expect this move to create so much buzz,” he said.
“I always tell my young athlete friends, ‘Of course our primary duty is to win medals, but our secondary duty is to represent our country. You need to pay attention to your attitude, behavior and lifestyle while you are wearing the national team jersey.’ I guess we have earned a place in the hearts of those young people, shooters, and gained their sympathy because we received such a positive response.
“It also made me happy. Yusuf Dikeç is just a name and a symbol. I am very happy on behalf of myself and my country to be on the agenda as a Turkish athlete, not as Yusuf Dikeç in the world.”
The silver medal was Dikec’s first Olympic medal in his fifth Summer Games.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
