Which memes went most viral at the Paris Olympics? – Deseret News

The 2024 Olympic Games will be remembered not only for the remarkable sporting achievements, but also for the way social media has transformed public engagement with the Games.

Unlike any previous Olympic Games, audiences were given a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at athletes' lives thanks to platforms like TikTok and X. These insights enabled engagement beyond the events as athletes shared personal experiences and their daily lives.

This unprecedented access led to the creation and viral spread of several memorable moments.

Here are some of the most discussed memes from the games:

1. The fatal shot by Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec

Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec rose to internet fame after appearing in the men's 10m air pistol competition wearing plain square-rimmed glasses while his competitors were equipped with special equipment such as noise-cancelling headphones and shooting goggles.

Undeterred, Dikec won the silver medal as if it were an effortless task.

“I didn't need any special equipment,” Dikec told Turkish media, according to EuroNews. “I'm a natural, a born shooter.”

2. The elegant style of the South Korean shooter

For exactly the opposite reason to Dikec, South Korean Kim Yeji attracted attention in the women's 10m air pistol competition with her futuristic look given by the special shooting equipment.

Wearing a black tracksuit, shooting glasses and a casual pose, she has been described online as having the “energy of a leading character.” As Deseret News previously reported, even Elon Musk called for her to play the lead role in an action film.

3. “Bob the Cap Catcher”

A hilarious moment that captured worldwide attention occurred when a man now affectionately known as “Bob the Cap Catcher” jumped into the pool to rescue a swim cap that Emma Weber of Team USA had lost during a preliminary heat.

His colorful floral swim trunks and triumphant recovery from the cap were met with cheers from the crowd.

4. LeBron James leads Team USA across the Seine

LeBron James drew comparisons to George Washington's historic crossing of the Delaware River when he led the U.S. national team across the Seine with the American flag in his hand.

The moment quickly went viral, with NBC reporter Drea Blackwell posting on X: “General LeBron James crosses the Delaware.”

5. “The Muffin Man”

Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen became a TikTok sensation with his love of chocolate muffins from the Olympic Village. He posted several videos featuring the muffins, which led to his and her fame.

According to Forbes, his obsession even caught the attention of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who commented, “I think I have to try one now…”

6. Snoop Dogg's reaction to Simone Biles

As a special correspondent for NBC, Snoop Dogg added a unique touch to the games with his humorous commentary and interactions with the athletes' families.

A photo capturing his wide-eyed reaction to Simone Biles' vault performance became a social media hit.

7. The Superman of the Pommel Horse

Stephen Nedoroscik was compared to Clark Kent because he took off his glasses during a pommel horse competition and transformed into Superman.

As Deseret News previously reported, Nedoroscik suffers from strabismus, but he does not rely on his eyesight to perform.

“It's all in my hands – I can feel everything,” he said in an interview with Today.