He shot with his hand in his pocket! Yusuf Dikeç explains the reason for the first time
Turkey Achieves Great Success at the Paris 2024 Olympics: Yusuf Dikeç Explains Why He Shoots with His Hand in His Pocket
Turkey achieved a significant success at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. National shooter Yusuf Dikeç won a silver medal in shooting, becoming a great source of pride for his country. Dikeç’s habit of shooting with his hand in his pocket sparked widespread discussion on social media. Dikeç explained the reason for this unusual habit in an interview with TGRT Haber.
DİKEÇ’S PERFORMANCE AT PARIS 2024
Dikeç experienced his fifth Olympic Games in Paris. Gaining a wide following on social media, Dikeç highlighted that the Olympics offered a unique atmosphere compared to other international tournaments. He noted that this prestigious event, held every four years, brings together the world’s best athletes.
THE REASON FOR SHOOTING WITH HIS HAND IN HIS POCKET
Dikeç addressed comments on social media about competing "without equipment." “On social media, they call me 'Cost-Free Uncle' because they say I’m not using equipment. It’s as if I don’t have equipment, glasses, or ear protection. Actually, I generally don’t like using them. It’s not because they’re not available; our federation and the Ministry are always supportive. However, I feel uncomfortable using glasses and ear protection. Shooting also requires some comfort. I prefer not to use them. Even in previous competitions, referees asked if I had ear protection or glasses. I didn’t. They wondered why. I said it’s about naturalness. People see us as relaxed in the photos. But internally, we have a storm going on. We need to project a calm and controlled image. We have to control ourselves because, in the competition, it feels like our hearts are about to leap out. Regarding comments, I also tell young athletes that, of course, the primary goal for a sportsperson going abroad is to win medals. However, another aim is to represent our country. I especially tell young athletes in camps, ‘When you go abroad, of course, you will aim for success, but representing the country while wearing the Turkish flag uniform is also important.’ This is my fifth Olympics. It has been 24 years. We know each other well with the shooters there since we’ve been competing for many years. This makes us happy. Actually, this success is not just for me; it’s Turkey’s success. I believe I’m doing my best in the role and the task assigned to me,” Dikeç said, noting that equipment like glasses and ear protection make him uncomfortable and that shooting requires a certain level of comfort. He also emphasized the importance of the ability to control one’s internal emotions.
Dikeç noted that the Olympics have a unique atmosphere, distinct from World and European Championships. He explained the reason for shooting with his hand in his pocket:
“I put my hand in my pocket to keep my body more stable, to feel more comfortable, and to stop body swaying. Other than that, there’s no special reason. Sometimes we get very upset. The Shooting Federation was established in 1923, so it’s as old as the Republic. Unfortunately, shooting is still somewhat unrecognized and lagging behind. I’m sure that in our country, shooting will become better recognized and set an example for future young athletes. They will see and watch from many places. I also believe that young people will surpass us. We are a strong team this year. We will advance further and win more medals. I wholeheartedly believe in this.”
Dikeç also spoke about the team success with national shooter Şevval İlayda Tarhan. He noted that Tarhan’s achievements at a young age have been a great inspiration to him. Dikeç mentioned that they achieved various international successes this year but narrowly missed the gold medal. They are aiming for a gold medal at the 2028 Olympics.
Yusuf Dikeç’s coach, Osman Erdinç Bilgili, stated that they have been working together for 22 years and have made great sacrifices for the Olympics. Bilgili highlighted that the world record Dikeç set in 2006 still stands, and these achievements have strengthened Turkey’s position in international sports. Bilgili said that Dikeç’s Olympic medal is the first in Turkish history, and they are aiming for a gold medal in 2028.
