The Paris Olympics showcased a plethora of world-renowned athletes, but the internet’s spotlight surprisingly focused on two relatively unknown shooters: Kim Yeji of South Korea and Yusuf Dikeç of Turkey. Their rise to viral fame stemmed from distinct reasons. Yeji captivated audiences with her seemingly icy composure, earning her the label of embodying ”main character energy.” A video of her setting a world record in Baku earlier in the year, while maintaining an almost impassive expression, garnered millions of views and even caught the attention of Elon Musk. Conversely, Dikeç became an internet sensation due to his relaxed demeanor and remarkably minimalist equipment compared to his competitors. His signature shooting pose became a widespread phenomenon, adopted by numerous athletes across various disciplines throughout the Games.
Kim Yeji’s viral fame transcended the sporting world. Her unflappable demeanor and striking appearance led to modeling opportunities with high-fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Givenchy. She secured an acting role as an assassin in the series ”Crush” and became a brand ambassador for Tesla in South Korea. She even collaborated with law enforcement to combat deepfake crime. Her meteoric rise, fueled by the viral video of her world record performance, solidified her status as an unexpected star of the Paris Olympics. The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter), amassed tens of millions of views, further propelling her into the public consciousness.
Yusuf Dikeç’s impact was equally significant, albeit in a different manner. His distinctive shooting pose, characterized by a relaxed stance and a unique hand gesture, became a symbol of celebration and success at the Paris Olympics. Athletes from various sports, including pole vault gold medalist Armand Duplantis, discus champion Roje Stona, and several swimming and track and field stars, adopted Dikeç’s pose in their victory celebrations. This widespread emulation transformed Dikeç’s simple gesture into a viral sensation, cementing his place in Olympic lore.
Dikeç, a 51-year-old veteran Olympian with multiple World and European Championship medals, achieved his first Olympic silver in the mixed 10-meter air pistol event in Paris. He capitalized on his newfound internet fame by actively engaging on social media, frequently posting content related to his now-iconic pose. He even initiated the process of trademarking the gesture to prevent unauthorized commercial exploitation, after noticing the proliferation of merchandise featuring his pose. His post-Olympic journey included being named Turkey’s Athlete of the Year, solidifying his transition from a relatively unknown shooter to a national sporting icon.
In contrast to Dikeç’s continued engagement with the public eye, Kim Yeji opted for a break from competitive shooting following the Olympics. This decision stemmed from a desire to spend more time with her family and also, reportedly, to cope with the surge of online negativity she experienced after her newfound fame. While her hiatus is temporary, with plans for an eventual return to the sport, the exact timing remains uncertain. This decision underscores the pressures and challenges that can accompany sudden public attention, even within the celebratory context of the Olympic Games.
The stories of Kim Yeji and Yusuf Dikeç highlight the unpredictable nature of viral fame in the digital age. While both athletes achieved Olympic success, their journeys to internet stardom were vastly different. Yeji captivated audiences with her stoic intensity and striking visuals, while Dikeç’s relaxed demeanor and unique shooting pose became a symbol of celebration and camaraderie among athletes. Their narratives demonstrate how seemingly minor moments can capture the public imagination and amplify an athlete’s reach far beyond the sporting arena. Furthermore, they illustrate the complexities of navigating sudden fame, with both Yeji and Dikeç facing distinct challenges in managing the public’s attention.
