New Delhi:
If coolness had a face, it could be Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec’s. The 51-year-old, who gained the silver in 10-metre air pistol combined group occasion at Paris Olympics with none particular gear and a hand in pocket, is now the among the many most searched individuals on Web and the inspiration behind quite a few memes.
Again dwelling after his Olympic win together with teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, Dikec spoke to Turkey’s Anadolu information company about his relaxed posture that made headlines. “It was the place the place I felt probably the most snug and will maintain my physique probably the most steady. Though I regarded calm on the surface, there was a storm inside,” he mentioned, including that he had no inkling that his posture would begin a buzz. “I by no means anticipated it to create such a stir,” he mentioned, including that he simply acquired into place and took the shot.
A 23-12 months Journey
The curiosity surrounding Yusuf Dikec generated a wave of misinformation, with claims that he was a mechanic and his journey as a shooter started after a nasty divorce. Whereas his relationship standing shouldn’t be recognized, it’s clear that his calm shot is the results of twenty years of arduous work. A former sergeant in Turkish Military, Dikec began sport capturing in 2001. He’s a five-time Olympian who additionally competed in 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020 Video games.
In his interview to Anadolu, he mentioned, “Individuals generally say, ‘it is really easy, you gained a medal along with your hand in your pocket’. That is what reveals on the surface, however behind this medal is 24 years of arduous work. I practice for 4-5 hours six days every week.”
Dikec has earlier gained medals in European and world championships, Mediterranean Video games and Islamic Solidarity Video games. “What was lacking in that assortment was an Olympic medal. The gathering would have been full if it was gold. If I gained a gold on this Olympics, I used to be pondering of quitting,” he mentioned, including, “I’m excellent, and Ilayda is superb too. If God permits, we’ll win the gold medal in 2028.”
Daughter’s Pep Discuss
Dikec has advised Anadolu about his dialog along with his nine-year-old daughter Basak earlier than he left for Paris. “My solely asset on this planet, my supply of life, is Basak. She gave me ideas earlier than she left. After I requested her, ‘How are you doing in gymnastics, she replied, ‘I inform myself ‘you are able to do it Basak, you’ll be able to win’. You do the identical.’ The shooter mentioned he spoke to his daughter the day earlier than the Olympics capturing occasion. “Usually, I do not reply my telephone in order to not distract my consideration, however speaking to my daughter, motivated me.”
Basak mentioned she was very excited to see her father carry out. “I wanted him success. I motivated him in order that he doesn’t get upset for not ending first.”
“Yusuf Dikec only a identify”
The star shooter mentioned an athlete wants to concentrate to his perspective, behaviour and life-style when he’s carrying the nationwide group’s jersey. “Yusuf Dikec is only a identify and a logo. I’m very blissful to be spoken about as a Turkish athlete, not as Yusuf Dikec.”
He mentioned this victory should encourage younger Turkish shooters. “I began the game very late, I began after I was 28. At first, once we went to competitions in Europe and the world, we thought of making it to the finals as successful. Right now, after 24 years, now we have began to really feel unhappy about ending second within the Olympics. We’ve got many younger mates, they’ll surpass us. I’m previous, however now we have proven that success may be achieved by arduous work. What’s vital shouldn’t be wanting one thing very a lot, however the effort you place in to attain what you need,” he mentioned.