Turkey's 51-Year-Old Shooting Sensation Wins Silver at Paris 2024 Olympics

Chloe Whisperwillow

Updated Friday, August 2, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

The Paris 2024 Olympics has seen many awe-inspiring moments, but none quite like the unexpected silver medal win by a 51-year-old sports shooter from Turkey. The image capturing this remarkable achievement shows the seasoned athlete in a focused shooting stance, aiming his pistol with precision. Donning a simple white T-shirt emblazoned with "TURKEY" and a small logo, along with dark pants, this silver-haired marksman defied conventional norms and expectations.

Twitter has been buzzing about this extraordinary event. The viral post by **non aesthetic things @PicturesFoIder** reads: "Turkey sent a 51 yr old guy with no specialized lenses, eye cover or ear protection and got the silver medal." This comment underscores the athlete's impressive feat, especially considering the lack of specialized gear that is typically seen in such high-stakes competitions.

Japanese Twitter users have affectionately dubbed him "無課金おじさん," or "free-user old guy," a playful nod to players in Free 2 Play games who excel without spending money on upgrades. This moniker perfectly encapsulates the shooter's minimalist approach and outstanding skill.

The image background, adorned with "PARIS 2024" signage and part of the Olympic rings logo, highlights the grandeur of the event. The faint silhouettes of photographers and media personnel further emphasize the significance of this moment.

Social media reactions have been both humorous and admiring. One commenter reminisced about watching a top shooter as a child, describing a "fat man with a big cowboy hat and a revolver" who could split playing cards from a distance, likening the Turkish shooter to a real-life character from a cartoon. Another user humorously noted, "He looks like he doesn’t even want to be there," comparing his demeanor to someone reluctantly completing a captcha question.

The athlete's casual appearance and demeanor have sparked various light-hearted comments. From suggestions of starring in an action movie to comparisons with the laid-back US curling team from previous Olympics, the internet has embraced this underdog hero. One comment humorously stated, "Dude went out to get some bread and came back with an Olympic silver medal," while another suggested, "Let's get him in an action movie. He'll never miss the shot."

Despite the jokes, there's a deep respect for his achievement. One user pointed out the rarity of men winning in shooting sports, traditionally dominated by women, making his silver medal win even more noteworthy.

The 51-year-old Turkish shooter has not only captured a medal but also the hearts and imaginations of people worldwide. His story is a testament to skill, perseverance, and the spirit of the Olympics, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected competitors can deliver the most memorable performances.

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View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

shiftingbits

Japanese twitter has started calling him "無課金おじさん", i.e. "free-user old guy" in reference to players in Free 2 Play games that don't spend any money purchasing upgrades.

ThatRaccoonGuy

I mean I watched one of the top shooters in the world when I was a kid, and it was a fat man with a big cowboy hat and a revolver. He looked like a L***** Tunes character but the dude could split playing cards down the middle from across a football field.

BIC777

How loud are these air guns? I'm surprised they need ear pro at all. Perhaps that just helps with focus?

briham86

He looks like he doesn’t even want to be there. Not like he’s being forced to be there, but like it’s a minor inconvenience. Like having to answer a captcha question.

chancer888

Makes me think I could definitely have a go at this and be absolutely terrible.

Futchm

Militaries have assassins

ItHappenedInThe20thCentury

Dude went out to get some bread and came back with an olympic silver medal.

SeaJayDie

Let's get him in an action movie. He'll never miss the shot.

Fruc

Is his hand in his pocket?! lol! Just “ugh, I wasn’t even supposed to be in today…” level of s***s given.

GloriousPirateBeard

Same energy as the US curling team last time, like a bunch of dads who were grabbed from the crowd and made to compete

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