by Admin
Aug 13, 2024
Image via IHA Photos
Few people around the world have ever heard of the name Yusuf Dicek but that doesn’t include the world of sports and all that changed at the recently concluded Olympics in Paris.
The Turkish pistol event shooter who stands out at the heart of Turkey’s athleticism was born on January 1, 1973, in the city of Kahramanmaraş, Turkey.
Yusuf, who rose overnight to international fame and became an internet poster face of masculinity due to his casual gear equipment that was minimal compared to his Serbian opponent Damir Mikec, who was wearing a blinder over one eye, a lens over the other, and a large pair of ear defenders and won the gold medal, while Yusuf and his mixed team event teammate won the Silver medal at the 10-meter air pistol.
The 51-year-old who studied physical education and sports at the University of Gazi is also a retired non-commissioned officer of the Turkish Gendarmerie which is under the Ministry of Interior and is tasked with the responsibility of installing law and order in society and also a member of the Jandarma Gücü Sports Club.
Yusuf began his shooting career in 2001 but began to represent his country four years later at the 2005 Mediterranean Games held in Almeria, Spain, and from there continued to represent Turkey in numerous international competitions, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships.
He won silver at the 10-meter air pistol event on his first outing on the international stage and continued to win numerous medals for his country 19 years after at different competitions of the pistol event.
His first sensational display of weaponry caught the attention of the athletics world at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The Turkish international competed in the 10-meter air pistol and 50-meter pistol events, he showcased his remarkable precision and composure under pressure, and though he didn’t win any medal his shooting techniques shined the spotlight on him.
A year later he took the world by storm at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) 2013 World Cup held in Munich, Germany. He won the gold medal which underscored his status as one of the most prolific shooters in the world.
Yusuf who is currently enjoying
his internet fame took to his Instagram page to repost a video compilation of Turkish-language memes about him.
The Olympic silver medalist has an expression of his philosophy on the official Olympic page which states: “Success doesn’t come with your hands in your pockets.” The 51-year-old’s contributions to his country’s athletics have extended beyond his individual accomplishments but also serve as a role model for aspiring athletes, exemplifying the values of discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship for the next generation of Turkish athletes.
He is currently actively involved in facilitating the sport of shooting in Turkey. He is also working to discover and develop young talents in the country. He continuously pushes to advance the sport at the grassroots level.