From “pommel horse guy” to a casual Turkish shooter, this summer’s Olympics have delivered plenty of head-scratching moments. Sports fans can’t seem to get enough of them, either.
Whether it’s the NBA turning players into avatars or baseball’s inescapable metrics, there’s something about the way that sports are captured in the moment that sets them apart from other media. The instant reactions that come with the instant access that social media offers turn athletes into icons, staking their place in our memories for good or bad. It can make us a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander supporter or Joel Embiid apologist; it can reduce a player to a trope or aggrandize them as something far bigger than they could ever fully embody.
While the sport’s most famous and infamous moments captivate our attention, the little things are just as interesting. When a bird crashes into a soccer match at La Defense Arena, it’s more than just an amazing video; it’s a reminder that the world can be unpredictable, even on the biggest stages.
When figure skater Michelle Kwan glided around the ice to Eva Cassidy’s haunting vocals, she wasn’t just a great athlete; she was a symbol of hope and perseverance. She never won a gold medal, but she did what all great athletes do: She left an unforgettable impression.