The 2024 Paris Olympics featured a multitude of viral moments, ranging from natural sharpshooters to surfers who seemed to defy gravity. Virality played an important role in this year’s viewership, which was up by 82% compared to the previous Tokyo games, according to CNN. In particular, social media platforms helped push moments that captivated fans. Users on X, Instagram, and TikTok shared their favorite moments, creating edits of popular events that reached millions of users.
During the Men’s Mixed Air Pistol event, Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec went viral after his silver medal performance wearing only his prescription glasses. Athletes in the Air Pistol and Rifle events can utilize special gear called one-eye blinders and visors that enhance their focus and decrease glare from the lights when shooting. Yusuf, who afterward described himself as a “natural shooter,” received the milestone of being a four-time Olympian, which further bolstered his popularity. The official Olympics X account posted “The Olympic #shootingsport stars we didn’t know we needed,” with a photo of Dikec.
Following the virality of the Air Sports events, Gabriel Medina, a Brazilian surfer, seemed to defy gravity in a still-shot photo. The photographer of this breathtaking shot, Jerome Brouillet, told Time Magazine that the photo was a team effort. He found himself at the right place at the right time due to years of hard work climbing the ranks of the AFP Media Agency. By landing a spot on the primary media boat for the 2024 Olympic surfing games in Teahupo’o, he was able to take a viral photo.
As the 2024 Olympic Games closed, viewers from all around the world experienced a unique moment of connection. Viewers now wait in anticipation for the 2026 Winter Olympic games, with many excited for more viral moments to come.
