The sharp shooters: Why Yusuf Dikec and Kim Ye-ji are the talk of 2024 Olympics
When it comes to the Olympics, air pistol matches aren't that much talked about, but that changed when two sharpshooters competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics sent the internet into a frenzy.
Turkey's Yusuf Dikec and South Korea's Kim Ye-ji both delivered outstanding performances in this year's air pistol events, bringing pride to their nations by securing silver medals.
Dikec and his partner Sevval Ilayda Tarhan emerged victorious in the mixed team 10-meter (10.9-yard) air pistol, only losing the gold to Serbia's players. Kim meanwhile won the 10-meter air pistol women’s event, falling short behind another South Korean delegate, 19-year-old Oh Ye Jin, who took home the gold.
While they didn't receive the coveted gold, their shooting styles were what truly caught everyone's attention.
What they're saying
Dikec's unfazed and nonchalant approach during the competition captured the attention of social media users. While his competitors' elaborate equipment, the 51-year-old Turkish athlete opted for a casual look, including a team T-shirt, regular glasses, and a hand casually in his pocket.
"In Olympic shooting, they use equipment like lens to avoid blur, lens for better precision, ear protectors for noise, then a Turkish guy came and won a silver medal with just a pair of glasses," one user noted on X.
Several online comments likened Dikec's cool demeanor to that of a secret agent, with one user creating a comic where he was summoned for a "one last job."
One last job. #YusufDikec pic.twitter.com/MuNUiAed8q
— Ernest Ng Bro (@ernestngBRO) August 1, 2024
"Did Turkey send a hitman to the Olympics?" another jokingly asked.
When asked why he competed without any gear to help him, Dikec told Turkish media, "I did not need special equipment. I’m a natural, a natural shooter."
In contrast to Dikec's casual look, Kim chose to wear specialized black glasses to enhance her focus. However, her relaxed demeanor and stylish eyewear quickly made her an internet sensation, with many fans admiring her confident stance.
"The most 'Main Character Energy' I've ever seen in my life," one user described her performance at the Olympics.
"This girl is a movie character, like how is she real?" another said.
While she may look cool and intimidating to some, Ye-ji is actually a softie. The mom of one was seen wearing a small elephant plushie affixed to a towel, which fans assumed belonged to her kid.
Despite their contrasting styles, Dikec and Kim shared an undeniable coolness that led to numerous comparisons. Even the official Olympic Games account took notice of their similarities.
"The Olympic shooting sport stars we didn’t know we needed. 🇰🇷 Kim Yeji 🤝 Yusuf Dikeç 🇹🇷" they wrote.
One user even made a cool fan art inspired by a manga panel, with the caption, "If the Olympics was a manga, 🇰🇷 VS 🇹🇷"
If the #Olympics was a manga
— Tomato Styles (@AwesomeTomato18) August 1, 2024
🇰🇷 VS 🇹🇷#김예지 #YusufDikec #無課金おじさん #shootingsport #OlympicGames #fanart #KIMYEJI pic.twitter.com/QtGOD591cm
Others made hilarious memes of their differing styles, joking, "Girls packing for a trip vs. guys packing for a trip."
The 2024 Paris Olympics commenced on July 26 and will end on Aug. 11.