What happened on the range hardly mattered to the fans, as they were thrilled to share the limelight with a shooter who has become a global sensation on social media since the Paris Olympics, where he won silver in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.
Dikec is known for his unique, minimalistic shooting style – competing with one hand in his pocket and using regular prescription glasses instead of high-tech gear for eyes or ears.
Despite the disappointment of not making the final, Dikec put on a sporting face, taking selfies with as many fans as possible. Though he admits that things have become a little “boring,” he’s happy to be contributing to the growing popularity of shooting.
“We feel good. First of all, we are very happy that we are introduced to the world by our own name,” Dikec said, as translated by his Paris Olympics silver-medal-winning partner, Sevval Ilayda Tarhan. “Shooting is becoming famous like football and basketball because everybody knows them.”
Dikec’s popularity was evident when not only Indian fans but also members of the overseas contingent flocked to the international sensation from Turkey for selfies and autographs.
The 51-year-old shooter, who won his first Olympic medal in Paris in his fifth attempt, however, is under no illusion that his popularity is not solely due to his performance.
“I learned that silver is more important than gold,” Dikec said in jest when asked about the weirdest thing about the fandom he has experienced since the Paris Games.
Despite his newfound fame, the veteran shooter is not ready to rest on his laurels. He now aims to win gold with his partner, Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
“We have our dreams, and the dream is to win gold in 2028,” he added.
The impact Dikec has had on the global sporting narrative can be gauged from the comments of his shooting partner Tarhan, who has largely stayed in his shadow as the senior shooter, but that’s a price she’s happy to pay.
“Thank you. Someone is asking for me. I’m really grateful for you. I’m proud of him because, that’s my whole dream, making the shooting most famous sport in the whole world, like football and basketball. He made it and I’m really proud of him,” she signed off on behalf of Dikec.
