The 10 Most Viral Moments From This Year’s Olympics

The most online Olympics of all time has officially come to a close. The 2024 games did not hold back on meme-worthy, viral moments nearly every day.

To fully close out the Paris Olympics, we’re taking a look back on the memorable moments that made this year’s games iconic.

10. Do you know the muffin man?

Social media has given us unprecedented access into the Olympic Village, where all the athletes stay for the games. While most post behind-the-scenes footage of meeting other Olympics, Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christensen spent nearly his entire time in the village talking about the muffins. They look pretty good, so we kind of get it.

@henrikchristians1

Guys, I think I have a problem.. #fyp #olympics #paris2024 #olympictiktok #olympicvillage #muffins @Olympics @paris2024

♬ sonido original – 🐧

9. The Turkish shooter who was a little too good

Are we positive this man is not a trained assassin? Turkish athlete Yusuf Dikeç pulled up, looking totally unbothered to the 10m pistol shooting competition and effortlessly pulled off a silver medal. Many online users (including yours truly) suspect that he could have won the gold, but didn’t want to look too suspicious. Either way, a true legend.

The 51-year-old Turkish athlete Yusuf Dikeç makes a statement about going viral for competing at the Olympics without specialized equipment and winning a silver medal.

“I did not need special equipment. I’m a natural, a natural shooter” pic.twitter.com/cTF6dJ2yD5

— kira 👾 (@kirawontmiss) August 1, 2024

8. A ton of celebrities were showing their support

From Flavor Flav sponsoring the U.S. Women’s Polo team to Jason and Kylie Kelce cheering on the U.S. Women’s Rugby team in the stands to Snoop Dogg doing whatever he wanted, celebrities were in full force at this year’s games. While it definitely made for some heartwarming moments, we’re mostly excited about all the new meme reactions we’ll be using for the foreseeable future.

Us after watching Simone Biles land her amazing vault routine yesterday, despite an injury 🤯✨

#Olympics #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/mbQ75D0SX7

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 30, 2024

7. Breakdancing debuts at the Olympics and it went exactly as we expected

This year marked the first year the competitive breakdancing took place, and based on the performances it might be the last. No offense to Australian competitor Raygun who we’re sure did her best, but you might want to consider a different passion.

my five year old niece after she says “watch this!” : pic.twitter.com/KBAMSkgltj

— alex (@alex_abads) August 9, 2024

6. Ilona Maher’s entire vibe

No one had more fun this year than U.S. women’s rugby player Ilona Maher. When she wasn’t absolutely dominating on the pitch, Maher was having the time of her life meeting other Olympians, making funny TikTok videos and making a great case for why Americans should start caring about rugby.

@ilonamaher

Champions Park #paris2024 #olympics #bronze

♬ Crazy in Love – Beyoncé,Jay-Z

5. Controversy at the opening ceremony

Unfortunately, the Olympics wasn’t all fun and games this year. A major controversy kicked off the opening ceremony when a scene supposedly depicting The Feast of Dionysus from Greek mythology looked a bit too close to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous “Last Supper” painting. Christians quickly shared their frustration and outrage online, leading the ceremony’s artistic director to quickly clear up the situation.

The interpretation of the Greek God Dionysus makes us aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings. #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/FBlQNNUmvV

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024

4. Gabby Thomas is the inspiration we didn’t know we needed

People cannot get enough of Gabby Thomas. The U.S. track star easily has one of the most impressive résumé in Olympic history. The Harvard graduate double-majored in neurobiology and global health before earning a Masters in public health from the University of Texas, all while training for the 2024 games. Her hard work paid off, winning a gold medal in both the 200-meter dash and 100-meter relay. Now that she’s accomplished that, she’s moving on to her next goal: opening a hospital.

This gal has it all 😍 Gabby Thomas is HER pic.twitter.com/sQorf6tKkt

— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) August 6, 2024

3. Simone Biles embracing her G.O.A.T. status

Simone Biles more than proved herself during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and this time around it’s clear she was here to show everyone how it’s done. In one of her more viral moments, Biles was seen wearing a goat necklace, giving a subtly nod that she knows her worth. Nothing but respect for the greatest gymnast of all time.

Simone Biles had her GOAT necklace ready to go after winning her second gold medal at the Paris Olympics. But the gymnast says it still feels “crazy” to be named one of the greatest athletes of all time. #paris2024 #olympics pic.twitter.com/5p5DBBpoEr

— The Associated Press (@AP) August 2, 2024

2. The never-ending influx of “Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to the Olympics” videos

Over on TikTok, gymnasts and divers spent the last two weeks posting videos of their biggest sports fails with captions saying, “Sadly, I did not make the 2024 Olympic team” before showing them gloriously wiping out. While all of the are hilarious in their own way, the winner of the trend goes to U.S. gymnast Suni Lee, who posted a video of her own fall at the games with the caption “Unfortunately, I was selected for the Olympics.”

@sunisalee_

😭🥲🥲

♬ Star Spangled (Bass Boosted) – SNC

1. Steve “Pommel Horse Guy” Nederoscik

Was there any doubt who was number one? Pommel horse guy was a total surprise no one saw coming this year. The Rubik’s cube-solving, glasses wearing, U.S. male gymnast inspired so many viral moments we couldn’t just pick one.