Here’s a look at some of the most viral moments that kept us entertained, intrigued, and tuned in during one of sports’ most anticipated and exhilarating occasions.
The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris has come and gone, taking over many of our timelines and news feeds for the past few weeks.
With the presence of social media, we’ve gotten to know athletes from all over the world as they embark on their Olympic journey.
Some have been posting regularly on their personal accounts while others have gone viral just from their presence and personalities on screen.
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Here are some of the moments that kept us entertained, intrigued, and tuned in to the Paris Olympics.
The City of Love
Paris, considered to be one of the most romantic cities in the world, certainly lived up to its reputation during the Olympic Games.
Gianmarco Tamberi’s lost ring
Before the Games even began, Italian flag bearer and men’s high jump Olympic champion Gianmarco Tamberi lost his wedding ring in the Seine during the Opening Ceremony. Following the incident, he penned a heartfelt message to his wife on Instagram, making his followers swoon.
“If it had to happen, if I had to lose this ring, I couldn’t imagine a better place. It will remain forever in the riverbed of the city of love,” he wrote.
“If you want, we will throw yours into that river too so that they will be together forever and we will have one more excuse to, as you always asked me, renew our vows and marry again.”
Mixed feelings
Another story that captivated viewers was about the Olympic mixed doubles tennis champions. Prior to the Games, Czech duo Katerina Siniakova and Tomas Machac broke off their romantic relationship but continued to compete together.
When they won their final match, the pair shared a spontaneous kiss in front of the cameras. Many also saw the fond looks and gestures exchanged between the former couple, leaving us to wonder if a spark could have been rekindled.
Romance galore
Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis, the Swedish pole vaulter who just set a new world record at the Olympics, also drew the attention of romantics all over the globe. Right after achieving the historic feat, he ran straight to his girlfriend to celebrate his win with a passionate kiss.
The Paris Olympics set another record this year, also related to romance. According to Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, there were a record number of marriage proposals at these Olympics Games. “These feelings of hope, inspiration, and love will remain,” he added.
Fighting for Two
This year, two Olympians shared that they are currently pregnant as they competed in their respective sports.
Nada Hafez
Egypt’s Nada Hafez wrote about her pregnancy on Instagram after her fencing event ended. “What appears to you as two players on the podium, they were actually three! It was me, my competitor, and my yet-to-come to our world, little baby,” she said.
“My baby and I had our fair share of challenges, be it both physical and emotional. The rollercoaster of pregnancy is tough on its own, but having to fight to keep the balance of life and sports was nothing short of strenuous, however worth it. I’m writing this post to say that pride fills my being for securing my place in the round of 16!”
Seven months into her pregnancy, Hafez ranked 16th at this year’s Games. This was her best result after competing in three Olympics.
Yaylagul Ramazanova
Just a day later, Azerbaijani archer Yaylagul Ramazanova also revealed that she competed while six-and-a-half months pregnant.
In an interview with Xinhua News, she shared that she felt her baby kick before shooting her last arrow. She ended up scoring a perfect 10 in that round.
“During the training for the Olympics, I didn’t feel uncomfortable with my pregnancy. Instead, I felt that I was not fighting alone, but fighting together with my baby,” said Ramazanova.
This was the archer’s first Olympics, and while she didn’t win a medal just yet, she’s not giving up on her dream any time soon.
Viral Hits
If you’ve been keeping up with the Summer Games, you’ve probably heard of the likes of Pommel Horse Guy, the Muffin Man, and the two coolest Olympic shooters.
Pommel Horse Guy
Stephen Nedoroscik earned the title of Pommel Horse Guy through his quiet presence and exceptional performance.
The Internet had a field day with memes, as Nedoroscik seemed to be napping or meditating on the sidelines for three hours while other gymnasts competed on different apparatuses.
As soon as his turn came up, he removed his glasses and delivered a strong routine worthy of a bronze medal. Many have also taken to calling him the “Clark Kent of pommel horse.”
Muffin Man
Over on TikTok, Norwegian distance swimmer Henrik Christiansen became known as the Muffin Man.
It began when he posted a video reviewing some of the food at the Paris Olympic Village, rating the “choccy muffin” an 11 out of 10. He has called the baked good the “single greatest thing about the Olympic Village so far” and posted even more videos about it.
Other athletes have also caught on to Christiansen’s videos and reviewed the muffin themselves. While this particular Olympic love story has come to a close, we loved seeing the Muffin Man’s antics bring the humor to this year’s Games.
Sharp Shooters
When it comes to bringing the cool factor, no one can beat sharpshooters Kim Yeji and Yusuf Dikeç. Kim, from South Korea, wore a stylish, all-black outfit and delivered a silver medal-winning shot without even flinching.
The photo of her laid-back pose with the stuffed toy elephant hanging from her pocket has certainly achieved viral status on the Internet.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s Dikeç also became viral for his nonchalant pose and casual get up. Without using any specialized equipment, Dikeç took home his country’s first medal in shooting.
Several athletes, including pole vaulter Duplantis and discus thrower Rojé Stona, have celebrated their wins with the now iconic pose.
Banner image via Instagram @toureiffelofficielle.
