The 2024 Paris Olympics have come to a close after 16 days of thrilling, heartbreaking, and dramatic events. While the Olympic events took place in and around Paris, the impact of the Games extended far beyond the physical venues, reaching a global audience through social media. The virality of the 2024 Olympics was reminiscent of the Tokyo Games, but the Paris Games saw certain individuals and events gain unprecedented global reach, influencing how the Games were experienced, perceived, and celebrated worldwide.
One of the breakout stars of the 2024 Olympics was Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç, who won silver with his teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, securing Turkey’s first-ever shooting medal. Dikeç’s unique shooting style, with his hand in his pocket and simple eyeglasses, captured the attention of fans worldwide. His signature pose became a trend among other athletes, including Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis and various relay teams, adding a fun and memorable element to the Games.
Another viral moment came from gymnasts Simone Biles and Suni Lee, who celebrated their gold medal win in the gymnastics team event with a playful TikTok video. Lee, known for her active presence on TikTok, shared the celebratory moment with her teammates, garnering millions of views and likes. Biles also made headlines with her Instagram post, taking a subtle jab at former teammate MyKayla Skinner and former President Donald Trump, showcasing her wit and confidence both on and off the mat.
Basketball star Kevin Durant, inspired by Simone Biles, took to Twitter in the early hours after winning his fourth straight Olympic gold medal. Durant engaged with fans and took a playful dig at Germany’s Dennis Schroeder, showcasing his competitive spirit and sense of humor. The interaction highlighted the influence of social media in connecting athletes with their fans and shaping their public personas.
Several athletes used social media platforms like TikTok to share their Olympic experiences and connect with a wider audience. USA rugby sevens star Ilona Maher and Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen gained popularity through their engaging content, showcasing different aspects of their Olympic journey. Christiansen’s humorous obsession with chocolate muffins became a viral sensation, leading to a series of entertaining videos and interactions with fans.
In a heartwarming moment, USA discus thrower Veronica Fraley received support from rapper Flavor Flav and entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian after sharing her financial struggles online. The power of community and social media was evident as Fraley’s rent was paid off for a year by individuals who rallied behind her, demonstrating the positive impact of online connections and support networks.
The 2024 Olympics also featured unexpected viral icons, such as Bob the Cap-Catcher, Pommel Horse Guy, Italian gymnast Giorgia Villa, and breaking performer Raygun. These individuals captured the attention of viewers with their unique personalities and performances, adding an element of surprise and entertainment to the Games.
Finally, iconic medal selfies shared by athletes like Tyrese Haliburton and Quincy Wilson provided a glimpse into their celebratory moments and achievements. These snapshots captured the joy and pride of winning a medal at the Olympics, allowing athletes to share their success with fans and followers around the world.
Overall, the 2024 Paris Olympics showcased the power of social media in amplifying the excitement, drama, and camaraderie of the Games. From breakout stars to viral moments, the online sphere played a significant role in shaping the narrative of the Olympics and connecting athletes with a global audience. As we look ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan/Cortina, we can expect even more memorable moments and stars waiting to shine on the world stage.