Top 10 Hilarious Viral Moments from the Paris Olympics 2024

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 do you think is très drôle? Let us know in the comments!