Whether it’s a dog saving a soccer goal, a darts player’s ode to fallen service members or an NFL star’s heartwarming tribute for Memorial Day, viral sports moments capture the world’s imagination and spread like wildfire on social media. They’re more than awe-inspiring plays or entertaining antics; they help athletes and brands bridge the gap to new fans, build communities of team loyalty and create lasting memories.
A lot can go wrong when a moment becomes a meme. It can make you rethink your entire existence, as it did for NBA star Mike Trout when he got his jersey stolen in Game 5 of the first round of the playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers. It can also leave you wondering if a player will ever be able to perform on such a large stage again.
While most Olympic athletes train their whole lives to deliver on the big stage at La Defense Arena, not all of them have the style of Yusuf Dikec, a Turkish sharpshooter who won silver with an effortlessly cool stance that had everyone talking. The photo went viral because of Dikec’s simple stance, which stood in stark contrast to the high-tech shooting gear and flamboyant poses worn by most of his competitors.
Many people regret decisions they make after a few pints at the pub, but none do so as much as Freddie Andrews did after his friends recorded him sliding down a metal divider between two escalators on the London Underground after watching the World Darts Championship in 2017. The video racked up millions of views because it was so absurdly hilarious that it became more than just a silly mistake; it was a cultural icon.