Some of the incidents and stories covered by the media from the Paris Olympics vent viral and landed on people’s social media channels catering to more than just sports fans. From heartwarming moments to unexpected mishaps, these athletes have brought the world to its toes. Here are Five Olympic athletes that have gone viral amidst the competition
1. Vinesh Phogat- Vinesh Phogat captured the hearts of many by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the Olympic wrestling finals, securing at least a silver medal for herself and India. However, a 100 gm weight complication led to her disqualification from the finals. Despite this setback, she was celebrated by many netizens who showered her with love and support, treating it as a symbolic medal.
2. Yusuf Dikeç- The internet is taken by storm with photos and memes of Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç. While other athletes sported high-tech gear, Dikeç opted for a casual look that was refreshingly laid-back, with one hand in his pocket. Despite not having the high-tech gear, Dikeç managed to bag a silver medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team competition.
3. Thomas Ceccon- Gold medallist Thomas Ceccon was spotted taking a nap in a Paris park after complaining about the conditions at the Olympic village in Paris. The swimmer won gold in the men’s 100m backstroke this week despite claiming “it’s hard to sleep both at night and in the afternoon” at the athletes’ accommodation. The swimmer also went viral for his good looks during a medal ceremony.
4. Huang Yaqiong- Chinese shuttler Huang Yaqiong experienced a memorable day at the Paris Olympics. After winning the badminton mixed doubles gold medal, she was proposed to by her boyfriend and fellow player Liu Yuchen. The proposal took place in front of an enthusiastic crowd, and the heartwarming moment quickly went viral on social media.
2. Yusuf Dikeç- The internet is taken by storm with photos and memes of Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç. While other athletes sported high-tech gear, Dikeç opted for a casual look that was refreshingly laid-back, with one hand in his pocket. Despite not having the high-tech gear, Dikeç managed to bag a silver medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team competition.
3. Thomas Ceccon- Gold medallist Thomas Ceccon was spotted taking a nap in a Paris park after complaining about the conditions at the Olympic village in Paris. The swimmer won gold in the men’s 100m backstroke this week despite claiming “it’s hard to sleep both at night and in the afternoon” at the athletes’ accommodation. The swimmer also went viral for his good looks during a medal ceremony.
4. Huang Yaqiong- Chinese shuttler Huang Yaqiong experienced a memorable day at the Paris Olympics. After winning the badminton mixed doubles gold medal, she was proposed to by her boyfriend and fellow player Liu Yuchen. The proposal took place in front of an enthusiastic crowd, and the heartwarming moment quickly went viral on social media.
5. Gianmarco Tamberi- During the opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics on July 26, Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi was given the role of flagbearer for his country. As his boat sailed down the Seine River, the Olympian stood on the ledge of the boat to wave the Italian flag when his wedding ring slipped off his finger and fell into the river. Tamberi later posted a poetic apology note to his wife, Chiara Bontempi Tamberi, on Instagram, stating, “I saw it fly…. I followed it with my eyes until I saw it bouncing inside the boat. A glimmer of hope. But, unfortunately, the bounce was in the wrong direction.”
