The 2024 Paris Olympics wrapped up in a spectacular fashion, leaving behind a treasure trove of memorable and internet-breaking moments. Here’s a detailed look at some of the standout events that captured the online spotlight:
Among the most talked-about moments was the debut of breakdancing in the Olympics. Australian dancer Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun, dazzled and puzzled audiences with her dynamic routine. Despite her impressive skills, her performance drew widespread attention for its unique flair, leading to a flood of memes across social media. Clips of her routine were shared widely, with viewers humorously debating her moves and adding their own comedic commentary.
Tom Cruise once again proved he’s the master of high-octane stunts during the closing ceremony. In a pre-recorded segment, Cruise leapt off the roof of the Stade de France, grabbed the Olympic flag mid-air, and then hopped onto a motorcycle before skydiving from a plane. This elaborate stunt, designed to highlight the excitement of the Games, quickly became a viral sensation. Fans and commentators alike marveled at how the stunt showcased Cruise’s signature flair for the dramatic.
Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin’s reaction on the podium provided one of the most endearing moments of the Games. After winning silver on the balance beam, Zhou, unfamiliar with the tradition of biting the medal, hesitated before mimicking her fellow medalists’ actions. Her puzzled yet earnest attempt to follow the custom quickly became a beloved meme, with illustrations and jokes popping up across the internet celebrating her innocent confusion.
During the opening ceremony, basketball star LeBron James made a striking impression as he stood at the bow of a boat filled with U.S. athletes, waving an American flag. His pose, reminiscent of Emanuel Leutze’s famous painting “Washington Crossing the Delaware,” sparked a wave of memes comparing James to the historical figure. The imagery of James as a modern-day Washington quickly became a hit on social media.
In an unexpected twist, a lifeguard at the swimming venue became a hero when he retrieved a lost swimming cap during Emma Weber’s 100-meter breaststroke race. Known as Bob the Cap Catcher, this unassuming figure gained widespread admiration and became a meme icon, celebrated for his quick reflexes and helpfulness in a high-pressure situation.
Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen captured the hearts of many not for his athletic prowess but for his enthusiastic devotion to the chocolate muffins served in the Olympic Village. Christiansen’s numerous TikToks and social media posts about the muffins turned him into a fan favorite, affectionately known as the Muffin Man.
U.S. gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik’s performance on the pommel horse became legendary. Known for his unassuming demeanor and impressive routines, Nedoroscik’s transformation from a mild-mannered athlete to a pommel horse powerhouse was compared to Clark Kent’s metamorphosis into Superman. His performance brought both admiration and a slew of humorous comparisons online.
The Olympic shooting events saw Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç and South Korean Kim Ye-ji becoming internet sensations. Dikeç’s casual, cool demeanor and Ye-ji’s sleek, precise approach were widely shared, with fans drawing comparisons to iconic film characters and creating anime-inspired fan art of the two competitors.
French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati provided an amusing moment when his attempt to clear a height of 5.7 meters ended with an unfortunate collision that knocked the bar down. The mishap, humorously likened to a baguette, quickly became a meme, with online commentary and images celebrating the unintentional comedy of the moment.
### Giorgia Villa’s Parmesan Cheese Sponsorship
Italian gymnast Giorgia Villa became an internet sensation not just for her athletic achievements but for her sponsorship by Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Photos of Villa holding giant wheels of cheese and performing gymnastics poses with them delighted fans and led to widespread sharing of the humorous images.
### Snoop Dogg’s Memorable Presence
Rapper Snoop Dogg made a significant impact at the Games as an Olympic torchbearer and special correspondent. His effortless charisma and candid moments were widely shared, with fans and commentators celebrating his unique contribution to the Olympics. Snoop’s presence became a source of endless amusement and admiration on social media.
Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina’s
