Yusuf Dikec, the Olympic shooter who has become a viral sensation at the Paris Games, has lifted the lid on his iconic pose.
Dikec produced an impressive display in the 10-metre air pistol to claim silver alongside teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan.
But it was the 51-year-old’s extremely laid-back pose and lack of high-tech eye equipment that caught the eye of viewers.
Having gone viral on social media, the shooter has seen other athletes, including Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, celebrate using his now iconic pose.
However, Dikec, competing in his fifth Games, has now revealed that his calm demeanour did not reflect the nerves he felt inside during the crucial moments of his event.
‘At that moment, everyone says I seemed very calm, but actually, storms were raging inside me,’ he said.
‘I think my shooting pose represented the Olympic spirit very well: the fair play, simplicity, clarity and naturalness. That’s why it got so much attention.’
The retired non-commissioned officer in Turkey’s gendarmerie also elaborated on his lack of eye equipment.
‘I never needed that equipment,’ he told Turkish outlet Haber Turk. ‘I am a natural. A natural shooter.
‘That’s why I don’t use many accessories.
‘My shooting technique is one of the rare shooting techniques in the world. I shoot with both eyes open. Even the referees are surprised by this.’
Asked about his future career plans, Dikec said he is not ready to end his hunt for Olympic gold.
‘My partner and I will get the gold at the Los Angeles 2028 Games,’ he confidently said.
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