OLYMPIC winners end up in the podium; viral moments end up as social media punchlines - or as memes.
Both will be remembered.
As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games came to a close, it's not just the medals that are taken home but also moments that define the experience of witnessing the action in the world's biggest sporting stage.
With the help of today's social media and content creation, it's easy for any moment to garner attention, making games more colorful than just blue, yellow, black, green, and red.
Here are 11 viral moments from the Paris Olympics that are truly golden.
Shooters' Swag
Two sensational shooters - Turkey's Yusuf Dikec and Kim Yeji of South Korea, easily won X in the first few days of the games.
Here's why.
Glorious Gymnasts
Three-time Paris gold medalist Simone Biles and fellow gold winner Jordan Chiles bow down to Rebeca Andrade in her own moment of glory in a heartwarming show of sportsmanship.
Ain't that sweet.
He's got one job, and he did it well
USA's Stephen Nedoroscik won social media the moment he removed his glasses to conquer the pommel horse event.
His biggest obstacle
French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati failed an attempt because his crotch got in the way. It made him stand up, err, stand out on social media, though.
Sensational Surfing Photo
French photographer Jerome Brouillet captured this money shot as Brazil's Gabriel Medina came out of a large wave.
Priceless Podium
Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin went viral for imitating every move of her co-winners.
Just how?
Philippines' two-time gold medalist Carlos Yulo defied gravity in his 'impossible' perfect landing in the floor exercise.
Legendary Stairs
Team USA recreates this stairway photo every after game won.
Loverboy Mondo
Mondo Duplantis reset the world record in one minute, then kisses her girlfriend in the next.
Gold-night, Paris
Stephen Curry hit four consecutive treys to rescue Team USA, and does his iconic 'night-night' pose with rival LeBron James.
No horsing around
Japanese equestrian Yoshi Oiwa took a selfie with his gold medal and the horse he's won it with. Sensational.
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