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Yusuf DikecTurkish shooter
Date of Birth: 01.01.1973
Country:  Turkey |
Content:
- İsmail Keleş - An Unparalleled Marksman
- A Career in the Military
- The Birth of a Sportsman
- Olympic Appearances
- Triumphs and Accolades
- Legacy and Impact
İsmail Keleş - An Unparalleled Marksman
Early Life and Educationİsmail Keleş began his journey in Gökçün, where he completed his schooling. In 1994, he joined the gendarmerie academy in Ankara, leading him to serve in the Turkish Gendarmerie in Mardin.
A Career in the Military
During his service in Mardin, allegations emerged about Keleş's involvement in suppressing the national movement in Turkish Kurdistan, which raised concerns about human rights violations. However, the athlete has refrained from commenting on these accusations.
In 1999-2000, Keleş pursued his professional education, earning the rank of sergeant before serving in Istanbul for a year.
The Birth of a Sportsman
Keleş's sporting career commenced in 2001. His international debut came in 2006 at the Military World Games in Norway, where he triumphed with gold in the free pistol event.
Olympic Appearances
2008 marked Keleş's maiden Olympic appearance in Beijing. He competed in the 10-meter air pistol (44th place) and 50-meter pistol (22nd place).
Four years later in London, he returned to the Olympic stage in the same disciplines, finishing 27th and 13th, respectively.
Triumphs and Accolades
2013 proved to be a remarkable year for Keleş. At the European Championships in Osijek, he secured two individual golds, one team gold, and two silver medals in team events. He also won a silver and bronze medal at the Mediterranean Games held in his home country.
Keleş's crowning moment came on September 11, 2014, when he won his first World Championship medal, finishing as the silver medalist in the 10-meter air pistol event behind Korean shooter Jin Jong-oh.
Legacy and Impact
At the 2024 Olympics, Keleş and his partner, Şevval İlayda Tarhan, made history by capturing the silver medal in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event. Their impressive performance was particularly noteworthy as Keleş shot without corrective lenses or glasses, keeping both eyes open and his free hand in his pocket.
In recognition of their achievement, the shooting complex in Mardin was renamed after Keleş and his partner. Keleş is the proud father of a daughter, Başak.
