Images of Dikec calmly preparing his pistol, silver medal in hand, and with no protective gear, have spread like wildfire on social media. Though the 51-year-old marksman remains unfazed by the attention.

"The day after our silver medal, everyone was talking to me about how many times my photos were shared on social networks," Dikec told AFP. "But it doesn't matter to me. I'll continue my life as before," he added from his training complex in Ankara.

Dikec’s relaxed stance, which has been mimicked by other athletes, is now linked with victory. Even billionaire Elon Musk shared a video of himself striking the pose, which garnered 170 million views. The sharpshooter's calm demeanour has also inspired countless memes, with some users likening him to James Bond and others placing him in scenes from "The Matrix."

However, for Dikec, the true achievement lies in winning Turkey's first mixed-team 10m air pistol medal alongside teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan. While some saw his hand-in-pocket stance as arrogance, Dikec explained, "I only do it to keep my body more stable, to keep my balance. There's nothing more to it."

A former member of the security forces, Dikec prefers to shoot without protective equipment. "As I shoot with my eyes open, I don't feel comfortable with glasses, headphones, or any other accessories. That's why I don't use them," he said. His unique style, with both eyes open, sets him apart in the sport.

Teammate Tarhan, who shares Dikec's minimalist approach, also shoots with her hand in her pocket, relying only on headphones and a visor. The 24-year-old, who began shooting at 15, dreams of a career in law enforcement or the military. "We've just shown the world that you can be successful without needing any equipment," Tarhan said.

For Dikec, his technique is more about embodying the Olympic spirit than showcasing confidence. "Fair play, the rejection of doping, and putting talent and the human body to the test in its natural state are all part of the Olympic spirit," he said. "People have appreciated it, which pleases me."

Though behind Dikec’s seemingly effortless style lie over two decades of dedication. Preparing for Paris involved training for four hours a day, six days a week, over the course of a year. Although he missed out on gold, Dikec has his sights set on the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

"We are one of the best teams in the world, I can even say we are the best," Dikec asserted. "We've worked so hard that we've broken an Olympic record. We were just out of luck on the day of the final."

Dikec believes that heart and passion, not just skill, are key to success. Recalling a conversation with Elon Musk after the wealthy American entrepreneur shared a video of him, Dikec asked, "I asked him if robots could win a medal with their hand in their pocket. I don't think so, because there are things that neither technology nor money can achieve, because they require heart."