16 Funniest Viral Olympics Moments from Paris 2024

16 Hilarious Viral Moments From the Olympics

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the funniest and most memeable moments from the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris

#16: Kendall Ellis Benefits From Getting Stuck in a Porta-Potty

Yeah, look, it doesn’t sound great, but let us explain! The American sprinter found herself in a literal nightmare scenario at the U.S. track and field trials, locked in a porta-potty for over 10 minutes until help came. Speaking on the nerve-wracking incident which nearly saw her Olympic dreams dashed, Ellis said that “I don’t like small spaces. Being stuck in one is actually one of my greatest fears. Elevators. Porta pottys. Water slides.” So yeah… literal nightmare. Just ahead of the 4x400m relay at Paris 2024, though, Ellis announced a hilariously fitting new sponsor… Charmin. Hey, whatever works, Kendall!

#15: Gabriel Medina Catches the Ultimate Wave

Remember the old expression about something being too good to be true? Thankfully, this time, we were able to have our cake and eat it, too. Surfer Gabriel Medina was captured by Agence France-Presse photographer Jérôme Brouillet as he received the highest single-wave score at Paris 2024 — 9.9 out of 10. Brouillet’s image depicts Medina, who appears to literally be walking on air. Far from a fabrication, the photo speaks to not only Medina’s obviously considerable amounts of talent, but also Brouillet’s Olympic-worthy photography skills. Commenting on the circumstances, Brouillet stated that “[i]t was not hard to take the picture. It was more about anticipating the moment and where Gabriel will kick off the wave.”

#14: Zhou Yaqin Discovers the Taste of Victory

Chinese artistic gymnast Zhou Yaqin won silver at Paris 2024, but while her and her fellow athletes’ performances were predictably remarkable, it was what she did after she won that set the Internet ablaze. Italian athletes Alice D’Amato and Manila Esposito, who won gold and bronze respectively, engaged in the time-honored tradition of biting down on their medals. The act itself no longer serves a practical purpose, but stems from a method of testing whether or not gold is real. The Chinese athlete’s reaction, as well as her gentle attempt at imitating D’Amato and Esposito, served as a sweet viral moment that demonstrated considerable Olympic spirit.

#13: Hamish Kerr Dives Under the Bar

While the high jump is, in itself, a thrilling display of human athleticism, it’s not necessarily a relatable Olympic sport… if such a thing exists. Thankfully, New Zealander Hamish Kerr made a point of literally lowering the bar for the rest of us. In a hilariously meme-worthy moment occurring just prior to his gold medal win, the Olympian bailed on one of his attempts and dove under the bar, landing straight on the mat. Kerr had the opportunity to throw in the towel and share gold with American jumper Shelby McEwen, but both declined and opted to close the event out, which ultimately saw Kerr winning.

#12: Simone Biles Reacts. That’s the Entry.

Not only is she the most decorated gymnast ever, but she’s also America’s Sweetheart — how can you not love Simone Biles? While she had no shortage of memeable moments at Paris 2024, one blink-and-you-’ll-miss it bit in particular stood out among Internet commentators… and not just to Snoop Dogg (more on that later)! While stretching ahead of a competition, Biles appeared to be engaged in casual conversation before seamlessly whipping her head around and staring straight down the barrel of the camera. Would-be memers compared the look to a stern principal or librarian. Does anyone else feel like they’re in trouble?!

#11: Raygun Captures Our Hearts

Breakdancing’s first Olympic appearance wasn’t without its share of interesting viral moments, as the general public discovered what the sport is all about, especially at such a high level. Australian academic Rachael Gunn, better known as “Raygun,” certainly appreciated and had a love for the sport, even writing her PhD thesis on breaking. Although Gunn was selected to participate at Paris 2024, she received no points and was eliminated from the competition following the round-robin. When Gunn’s performance was derided and mocked on social media, she responded by saying that “I was always the underdog and wanted to make my mark in a different way.” Do your thing, Raygun!

#10: “Bob the Cap Catcher” and His Colorful Speedos

The heroes of the Olympics aren’t always the athletes who leave decorated with multiple medals. Sometimes, it’s those who are on our screens for a moment but in our hearts for much longer. Case in point: “Bob the Cap Catcher,” the nickname bestowed upon the man who retrieved Team USA’S Emma Weber’s swimcap from the bottom of the pool, following the women's 100-meter breaststroke preliminary race. As soon as he appeared with his scintillating swimwear, the audience, both at the event, and at home were enamored. We don’t know if his name is actually Bob, but we do know that he and his Speedo have brought us utter joy.

#9: Anthony Ammirati’s Bad-Timing Bulge

We hesitate to find amusement in an athlete’s dreams of Olympic glory being dashed. But we cite this incident out of love, not mockery. While competing in a qualifying event, French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati nether regions hit the bar he was going over, knocking it down and him out of the competition. While being well-endowed is often considered a blessing, in Ammirati’s case, it was something of a curse. He was understandably crushed by the outcome. However, many have expressed their support and admiration for Ammirati. With any luck, he’ll be clearing bars again with style in no time.

#8: Marie Antoinette Goes Metal

Even if you have no interest in sports, the Olympics Opening Ceremony is always a must-see spectacle. This year was no exception, taking us down the Seine and showcasing numerous wondrous French landmarks from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower, as well as the country’s long-standing reputation for spectacular pageantry. But the most memorable moment occurred during the French Revolution-inspired third sequence. Entitled “Liberté,” it featured the beheaded Queen Marie Antoinette, played by soprano Marina Viotti, singing the opening lines of “Ah! Ça Ira!” before being joined by French metal band Gojira. If you’re someone who loves French history and heavy metal in equal measure, this was the Opening Ceremony for you.

#7: Kayak Cross Calamity

The Olympics have been around a very long time. But that doesn’t mean they’re afraid of trying new, exciting events. Case in point, the introduction of kayak cross, a sport that has to be seen to be believed. It starts with competitors being dropped in the rapid waters from 15-feet high and only gets more exciting from there. With all sorts of obstacles in the water, it’s the kind of event that can trip up even the most coordinated. And it caused a splash on social media, with some comparing it to “Mario Kart with boats.” Speaking of, any chance “Mario Kart” will be an event at the 2028 Games?

#6: Ilona Maher: TikTok Star

American rugby player Ilona Maher has had quite a time at this years’ Olympics, helping her rugby sevens team earn bronze medals, meeting legends like Jason Kelce, Snoop Dogg, and Tom Brady, and putting body shamers in their place. Her TikTok account is also just full of numerous hilarious videos. From showing shenanigans inside the Olympic Village housing units to joking about a meet-cute in the dining hall, to indulging in a massive croissant as “a light snack,” Maher proved herself to be an inspiration not only as an athlete, but also as a human being.

#5: Henrik Christiansen’s Muffin Love

Do you know “The Muffin Man”? No, not the nursery rhyme character. We’re talking about Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen. The Scandinavian athlete’s adoration for the chocolate muffins served at the Olympic Village’s dining hall made him a TikTok star, and earned him a delicious nickname. According to others who have tried these baked goods, they really are as good as he claims. And though we believe them, we also wish we could try them for ourselves. Christiansen isn’t the only athlete to go viral for their food love this year. Italian gymnast Giorgia Villa has also made waves with her epic cheese photos.

#4: Katie Ledecky Fan Reaction

American swimmer Katie Ledecky made history at this year’s Games, becoming the most decorated female swimmer as well the most decorated American woman in Olympic history. And watching her in action is an utter thrill. But you know what’s even more exciting? Getting noticed by her. That’s what happened to 8-year-old Madden "Maddi" Lowrey, who was in attendance when Ledecky won Gold in the 1500 meter freestyle final. After her victory, Ledecky waved at her young fan, who reacted with utter glee, even almost fainting. And the joy didn’t stop there, as Lowrey was later surprised by Ledecky on a video call. We can’t wait for when two get to finally meet in-person.

#3: Stephen Nedoroscik: Pommel Horse Superman

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s…an amazing athlete! American artistic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik is a pommel horse specialist who became a star at this year’s Games. And key to that is his glasses, which he took off prior to his bronze medal-winning performance. Naturally, comparisons were drawn between "Pommel Horse Guy" and a certain superhero and his journalist alter-ego. We don’t know if Nedoroscik has the ability to fly or use X-ray vision. But we do know that he became a hero to us and countless others thanks to his charisma and pommel horse prowess.

#2: Yusuf Dikec: The Casual Sharpshooter

During the 10 meter air pistol mixed team event, most of the competitors had the kind of visible protective gear you’d expect. That is, except for one. 51-year-old Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, took the internet by storm with his decidedly laid-back approach to target shooting. Instead of bulky ear protection and a visor, Dikec went with small earplugs and everyday eyeglasses. What’s more, he even had his other hand in his pocket, as if he was playing a carnival game rather than competing on the global stage with other target experts. It doesn’t seem to have hindered him too much, as he brought home a silver medal for Turkey. But if you’re an aspiring sport shooter, remember: safety first!

#1: Snoop Dogg Reacts to Simone Biles

If there’s any undisputed non-athlete star of this year’s Olympics, it’s Snoop Dogg. The iconic artist served as NBC’s “Ambassador of Happiness”. And he more than lived up to his title. We could probably fill out a whole list with great Snoop moments, from holding the torch, to swimming with Michael Phelps, to looking the part while watching dressage with his BFF Martha Stewart. But if we can only single out one moment, it would have to be his reaction to gymnastics great Simone Biles’ incredible qualifying performance. It’s a look that says he can’t believe his eyes, which to be fair, neither could we. We also can’t forget about his adorable dance party with Biles and her teammate, Jordan Chiles.

What Paris Olympics moment did you think was très drôle? Let us know in the comments!