Viral shooting star Dikec strikes gold at European CL

Türkiye's shooting star Yusuf Dikec, who captured global attention for his unflappable style at the Paris 2024 Olympics, added another gold to his name as the hosts shone at the European Champions League of Air Weapons in Istanbul on Tuesday.

The 51-year-old veteran partnered with Mustafa Inan to defeat Germany's Christian Reitz and Paul Froehlich 2-0 in the men's 10-metre air pistol team final, helping Türkiye claim one of three gold medals at the event.

After the final, Dikec spoke of the pride of competing and winning on home soil. "The European Champions League is a special platform reserved for the best athletes," he said. "Representing my country in front of a home crowd, with the tournament held in Istanbul for the first time, is a great honour."

Dikec became a household name at the Paris Games, where his relaxed "hand-in-pocket" stance while shooting earned him silver in the mixed-team 10m air pistol event and spawned a global meme trend. The pose, later compared to James Bond's poise, was even mimicked by athletes and celebrities -- from fellow Olympians to Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.

Following the viral sensation, Dikec's coach, Erdinc Bilgili, confirmed that his team had filed to trademark the shooter's signature stance after multiple unauthorised attempts to capitalise on his image. Merchandise bearing his likeness -- from T-shirts to mugs -- quickly appeared in the market, prompting legal action to safeguard its use.

While his laid-back posture continues to fascinate fans, Dikec insists it's all functional. "I only do it to keep my body more stable, to keep my balance. There's nothing more to it," he had told AFP earlier this year.