Yusuf Dikec, the Turkish shooting star and social media sensation, was the center of attention at the Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi. While the much-anticipated finals of the Men’s 10m Air Pistol ended in disappointment for fans as Dikec missed the top eight, his presence alone lit up the venue. The 51-year-old, who gained global fame following his viral moment at the Paris Olympics, was swarmed by fans, coaches, and officials eager to take selfies with the shooting icon.
Unfortunately, Dikec fell short in the qualification, finishing 11th with a score of 572. This performance was below par for a man who had raised expectations with his Paris success, where he won his first-ever Olympic medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team alongside teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan.
Despite not making the final, Dikec’s impact on the sport remains undeniable. His relaxed and effortless style during the Olympics turned him into a viral sensation, earning praise from prominent figures like pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis and tech mogul Elon Musk. The memes and tributes that flooded social media have skyrocketed his profile, inspiring a new generation of shooting fans and athletes.
While Dikec’s performance in New Delhi may not have been his best, his presence added prestige to the season-ending competition.
China’s Xie Yu, the gold medallist from the Paris Olympics, showed his skill in the qualification round by scoring an impressive 588. He carried this strong performance into the final, winning with a score of 244.6. Germany’s Robin Walter took the silver with 243.3 and Italian Federico Nilo Maldini (221.7 after 22 shots), silver medallist at the Paris Games, completed the podium.
Dikec’s journey from his Olympic debut in 2008 to his recent success at the Paris Games is a testament to his passion and perseverance. And while this latest competition didn’t result in another medal, the Turkish shooter’s influence and celebrity status continue to elevate the sport globally.