Yusuf Dikeç, the man the world is talking about, explains to 12punto: What is the secret behind his Olympic shot?

Burak DEMİRBAŞ-12punto.com.tr /EXCLUSIVE

At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the national shooting team consisting of Yusuf Dikeç and Şevval İlayda Tarhan won the silver medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event.

While Dikeç's shooting style was shared millions of times on social media, American billionaire businessman Elon Musk, owner of Tesla and X, was among those who commented on it.

Dikeç spoke to 12punto about the Olympic process, why he chose this shooting style, and more.

Could you describe the process leading up to the Olympic stage?

"This is my 5th Olympics; I have been doing this sport for about 24 years. For 24 years, we have worked and focused solely on this day, and we are very happy."

Were you expecting such a success?

"Of course, we already have gold medals in the Mediterranean, European, and World championships; the only thing missing was the Olympics, and every athlete lives for the Olympics anyway. This was our goal. We have been very good since the beginning of this year, and we were world runners-up last year.

This year, we came in first at the World Cup in Brazil. A month ago, we came in first again in Germany.

We had also prepared well for the individual rankings and were expecting it, but there was some bad luck. When an athlete goes to a competition, they go with their destiny, their provision, and their luck. We missed the gold due to a bit of bad luck. We had prepared very well, but God willing, we will take it in 2028."

Have you had a chance to look at social media? The whole world is talking about your shot; why did you make a shot like that?

"I took a look, there are nice comments not just from Turkey, but from around the world as well. This makes us happy. Yusuf Dikeç is just a symbol here; this success belongs to the Turkish nation. When they sent us off, 85 million people sent us off with their prayers. We did not let them down, we are very happy."

While all other competitors took the stage in full gear, why did you shoot without any equipment?

"I cannot shoot with one eye closed. I shoot with both eyes open. It is not a case of lacking equipment or anything like that. I just shot that way because I did not want to use them. Sometimes the referees ask, 'Do you have shooting glasses? Do you have shooting shoes?' and I say, 'No, I am a natural shooter,' and of course, they laugh."

Even Elon Musk shared your shot; what would you like to say about this?

"Yes, we saw it and were happy. We are just a symbol; we were happy on behalf of the Turkish nation."

Do you think shooting sports will become more widespread in Turkey in the coming period?

"Absolutely. I always give this example: when Süreyya Ayhan achieved success in athletics, all our young girls started athletics at that time. This is not a very well-known sport, but after this success, people saw that it could be practiced until a more advanced age and that medals could be won at the Olympics.

I believe it will move to a different dimension from now on. When I first started in 2000, we considered it a success if we could just go to the World (Cup) and European championships.

At the point we have reached 24 years later, we have started to feel disappointed with an Olympic silver medal. From now on, young people will be more successful. Perhaps they will achieve even more, and young people will actively practice this sport."

Is there anything you would like to add?

"I thank Turkey; I did not expect this much. Even if they were not physically by our side, I thank the 85 million Turkish people who supported us in spirit."

We are expecting a gold medal from you in 2028 as well...

"If God grants us life, we will go. I told our Serbian friends at the press conference, we have been friends for 20 years; I said, 'We will take this in Los Angeles, we are just lending it for now, get ready for Los Angeles'"...