Yusuf Dikeç

Yusuf Dikeç, born in 1973 in Taşoluk village, Göksun district of Kahramanmaraş Province, is a distinguished Turkish sport shooter known for his prowess in pistol events. A retired non-commissioned officer of the Turkish gendarmerie and a dedicated member of the Jandarma Gücü Sports Club, Dikeç has made significant contributions to his sport over two decades.

Dikeç’s impressive career includes competing in four consecutive Summer Olympics from 2008 to 2020. His most notable achievement came at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he won a silver medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event with teammate Şevval İlayda Tarhan. At 51 years old, Dikeç became Turkey’s oldest Olympic medallist, earning widespread acclaim for his remarkable composure during the competition.

His unique “gearless” look—shooting without protective earplugs or lenses—captivated social media, making him an overnight viral sensation. Dikeç embraced this newfound fame, even inviting billionaire Elon Musk to Istanbul via X (formerly Twitter), prompting a witty response from the SpaceX and Tesla chief.

Educated in physical education and sports at Gazi University in Ankara, Dikeç has also achieved remarkable success in other competitions. He set a world record in the 25-meter center-fire pistol event at the 2006 CISM Military World Championships and won double gold medals at the 2013 European Shooting Championships. Additionally, he secured a bronze medal in the 10-meter air pistol team event at the 2021 European Championships.

Dikeç’s storied career, combined with his engaging personality, continues to inspire and entertain both sports enthusiasts and the wider public.