Unforgettable Memes and Moments From the Olympics Through the Years

Before the 2024 Paris Olympics begin, look back at the viral moments from past Games, from the Tonga flag bearer and McKayla Maroney to #PhelpsFace.

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July 23, 2024 12:48PM EDT
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 20: A general view of the Eiffel Tower at as the Olympic Rings are displayed during previews ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Gameson July 20, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Image Credit: Getty Images

The Olympics are a global stage not just for athletic excellence but also for unforgettable snippets of the event that captivated audiences worldwide. Over the years, numerous Olympians became viral sensations on social media with their unique, emotional, and sometimes unexpected moments.

Among these viral sensations is Pita Nikolas Taufatofua, the taekwondo competitor and flag bearer from Tonga, who caught viewers’ attention with his oiled-up physique during three different opening ceremonies.

Other sports stars have gone viral by showing exactly how they felt in the moment. U.S. gymnast McKayla Maroney famously spurred countless memes with her unimpressed expression during her silver medal win at the 2012 London Olympics. Similarly, American swimmer Michael Phelps caused a splash with his intense game-day face before the 200-meter butterfly semifinal at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The times captured also remind us that things don’t always go according to plan. For instance, a squirrel darted across the slopes during the Women’s Parallel Giant Slalom event at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. Another memorable mishap occurred during the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Games when an electronic snowflake that was supposed to expand into an Olympic ring froze up and failed to work as expected.

Although fans are eager for the games to start, especially to see fan favorites like Simone Biles and Coco Gauff, they won’t have to wait much longer as the Olympics will run from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8.

But to keep us entertained for the time being, here is our list of the best moments, the ones meme-d and not.

Pita Nikolas Taufatofua

Pita Taufatofua will unfortunately not be the flagbearer at the Paris Games this summer as he “fell short” for both the Kayak and Taekwondo qualifiers.

In an apology to fans explaining his future absence, he wrote, “Sorry Paris, the five gallons of extra virgin coconut oil I’ve been stockpiling ‘may’ have to wait ;).”

McKayla Maroney

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05: Mc Kayla Maroney of the United States stands on the podium with her silver medal during the medal ceremony following the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Vault final on Day 9 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on August 5, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Mc Kayla Maroney of the United States stands on the podium with her silver medal during the medal ceremony following the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Vault final on Day 9 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on August 5, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Michael Phelps

And this was just one of the Phelps moments…

The Squirrel in PyeongChang

James Bond and Queen Elisabeth

The Snowflake in Sochi

Aly Raisman’s Parents

Aly Raisman‘s parents, Rick and Lynn Raisman, first went viral at the 2012 London Olympics after they were spotted squirming in their seats as their gymnast daughter competed for the gold.

While Rick told USA Today he was “a little horrified,” he went on to bring the same energy to the 2016 Rio Olympics, where Aly—who won two golds and a bronze in London— took home another gold medal and two silvers.

Johnny Quinn

Quinn was in his bathroom in Russia’s Olympic Village in Sochi when the door jammed. He apparently got out.

Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt running at lightning speed during the 100-meter dash in Rio.