The Olympics—where the world comes together to watch athletes push the limits of human potential and, of course, witness the inevitable flood of memes, controversies, and unforgettable moments that follow. The Paris 2024 Olympics were no exception. This year’s games gave us jaw-dropping athletic feats and an equal share of internet-breaking moments that had us glued to our screens for reasons beyond the sports themselves.

These moments didn’t just dominate sports coverage—they became cultural flashpoints. For communications teams, the Olympics serve as a case study in how news cycles, social media, and public sentiment converge rapidly. Leveraging real-time media monitoring tools can help brands and organizations understand how these narratives evolve—and what they mean for visibility, reputation, and engagement.

So, grab your popcorn as we dive into the top five Olympic moments that had the world talking, tweeting, and meme-ing.

Top 5 Olympic Moments

1. Yusuf Dikec: Instant viral sensation and meme-ification

If there were an Olympic medal for staying cool under pressure, Yusuf Dikec would have taken the gold—and probably not even broken a sweat doing it. The Turkish shooter became an instant viral sensation, not just for winning silver but for his utterly laid-back demeanor while doing so. With his calm expression and effortless style, he was quickly turned into a meme, with social media users joking that his focus was fueled by a grudge against an ex-wife (totally unconfirmed, by the way). But whether or not there’s any truth to the rumor, one thing’s for sure: Dikec’s zen approach to the Olympics was a breath of fresh air in a sea of intense competition.

2. The Golden Girls: Golden medals and golden clapbacks

Simone Biles doesn’t just win gold; she wins hearts—and headlines. At this year’s Olympics, she became the most decorated U.S. gymnast, further cementing her legacy as a legend in the sport. But Biles wasn’t just focused on her success; she was also quick to defend her teammates when fellow gymnast Mykayla Skinner threw some shade. And let’s not forget the ongoing drama around Jordan Chiles’ bronze medal revocation, which added an extra layer of controversy to Team USA’s otherwise stellar performance. It seems that in gymnastics, the flips and twists don’t stop when the routines are over.

3. Imane Khelif: Fighting off opponents and the internet

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif didn’t just fight her way to a gold medal—she also took on the internet trolls who dared to question her prowess. Her determination both in the ring and online made her a symbol of strength, not just for athletes but for anyone facing online harassment. And with a cyber-bullying lawsuit that names some of the internet’s biggest personalities—yes, we’re looking at you, Elon Musk, JK Rowling, and Logan Paul—the battle isn’t over. But if Khelif’s Olympic performance is anything to go by, she’s not backing down anytime soon.

4. Raygun (Rachael Gunn): PhD in Cultural Studies stirs cultural study

Rachael Gunn, or “Raygun” as she’s known in the breakdancing world, didn’t just participate in the first-ever Olympic breakdancing competition—she shook it up in ways no one expected. With a PhD in Cultural Studies and a flair for the unorthodox, Raygun sparked heated debates about the place of breakdancing in the Olympics. Her performance was as controversial as it was captivating, and even though breakdancing has been canceled for the 2028 games, the conversations around Raygun’s impact are far from over. Who knew the Olympics could double as a cultural study?

5. Snoop Dogg: Olympic enthusiasm, vibes, and Martha

Leave it to Snoop Dogg to steal the spotlight without even competing. From his laid-back commentary to his effortless cool, Snoop brought the vibes to the Paris Olympics in a way only he could. Whether he was hanging with athletes or just vibing on the sidelines, Snoop’s presence was a reminder that sports are supposed to be fun. And when you add Martha Stewart into the mix, you get a duo that’s as iconic as it is unexpected. Snoop may not have a gold medal, but he definitely won the Olympics in the hearts of fans everywhere.

The Paris 2024 Olympics were more than just a showcase of athletic prowess; they were a masterclass in how sports intersect with culture, the internet, and even memes. From viral sensations like Yusuf Dikec to cultural disruptors like Raygun, this year’s games gave us moments that will be remembered long after the last medal is awarded. So, while the athletes may go home with their medals, we’re left with stories, laughs, and debates that prove once again why the Olympics are more than just sports—they’re a global phenomenon.

While we remember the athletes for their incredible performances, it’s also worth recognizing how these stories live on, reshaped and remixed by the media. Observing this through a media intelligence lens offers a fascinating look at how attention travels, fades, or intensifies in ways that aren’t always predictable.