The 2024 Paris Olympics have been quite eventful, with one participant, Yusuf Dikeç, going viral on social media. The Turkish Olympic silver medalist shooter caught attention with his laid-back demeanor during the competition, sparking widespread interest.

Yusuf Dikeç, who has been a staple in Olympic shooting since 2008, became a sensation at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His calm and casual approach during the pistol shooting events turned him into a social media meme, contrasting sharply with other competitors, such as Serbia’s Damir Mikec. Dikeç, dressed in a simple white Olympics T-shirt and black pants, with standard glasses and earplugs, displayed a seemingly nonchalant attitude that belied his skill and experience.

During the competition, Dikeç stood out by wearing normal earplugs instead of the usual noise-canceling and buffering headsets used by others. With one hand casually in his pocket while aiming, he was likened to a hitman or an ordinary guy, further enhancing his viral status. In contrast, Mikec sported specialized shooter glasses and large ear protectors, highlighting the difference in their approaches.

Despite his seemingly relaxed attitude, Dikeç is far from a newcomer. The 51-year-old has been competing in the Summer Olympic Games since 2008 and has now secured an impressive silver medal in Paris. He and his teammate, Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, won the medal in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol shooting competition on July 30, 2024. This win marked Turkey’s first Olympic shooting medal.

Tarhan, like Dikeç, competed with minimal equipment, wearing a visor and ear protectors similar to his. She also adopted a casual stance with one hand in her pocket. The pair’s success brought them significant attention, with many praising their unconventional style and cool demeanor.

Social media was abuzz with reactions to Dikeç’s performance. A side-by-side comparison of Dikeç and South Korean shooter Kim Yeji highlighted their similar relaxed styles. Yeji, like Dikeç, appeared cool and collected, making pistol shooting look effortless. A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) humorously noted the casual approach of Dikeç, who won a silver medal with minimal gear and a relaxed stance.

On August 1, 2024, the official Olympics account celebrated Dikeç and Yeji, calling them the “Olympic #shootingsport stars we didn’t know we needed.” Another X user marveled at Dikeç’s achievement, noting his lack of specialized equipment and his impressive silver medal win. The user clarified that Dikeç won the medal in the team competition, not solo, further emphasizing his achievement.

After their victory, Dikeç and Tarhan were interviewed by a Turkish news station. Dikeç attributed their success to thorough training and preparation, mentioning their recent performances at World Cup events in Brazil and Germany. He explained that he doesn’t need special equipment, relying on his natural shooting ability. Looking ahead, Dikeç expressed his determination to win a gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Despite the lack of specialized equipment, Dikeç did wear yellow earplugs during the final, though they were not as visible in the viral image. His approach contrasted with that of other shooters, like Liu Yukun of China, who also wore earplugs but no visor or blinder when he won gold on August 1, 2024.

The gold medal in the shooting event went to Serbian competitors Damir Mikec and Zorana Arunovic, who narrowly beat Dikeç and Tarhan. Mikec and Arunovic celebrated their win with exuberance, while Dikeç looked forward to competing in future events.

Kim Yeji, another viral sensation, also showcased a calm demeanor during her competitions. She won a silver medal in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event on July 28, 2024, and her relaxed style drew comparisons to Dikeç. Yeji’s approach, characterized by her calm and focused demeanor, made her a standout competitor.

Overall, the 2024 Paris Olympics highlighted the diverse styles and approaches of shooters like Yusuf Dikeç and Kim Yeji. Their performances captivated audiences and demonstrated that success in shooting sports can come in many forms, whether through meticulous preparation or a relaxed, natural approach.