When a dog saves a soccer goal or an NFL player and fan have a troll-tastic handshake, sports moments go beyond the box score and capture the world’s imagination. These micro-moments break through barriers of language, time zones and sport to inspire fans and create lasting memories. From the incredible to the downright absurd, these viral sports moments will have you laughing out loud and reliving the best of the year in sports.
This summer’s Olympics dominated social media with Rachael Gunn bringing breakdancing to the Olympic stage, the infamous “pommel horse guy” earning a bronze medal and a spot on “Dancing With the Stars,” Ilona Maher rumbling over Aussies and Steph Curry knocking out France. But that was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to head-scratching and viral sports moments this summer.
Freddie Andrews, better known as the guy who jumped down the metal divider between two escalators in the London Underground after having a few pints, didn’t quite realize how foolish his actions were until they went viral. The man who landed on his head and knees – after falling all the way to the bottom of the escalator – has since apologized for his decision, but not before leaving us with a few memes.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart and Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin are no strangers to poking fun at one another, and their shenanigans continued this weekend when cameras caught them teasing each other before the game. Similarly, YouTuber Jake Paul taunted Mike Tyson at the weigh-in for their upcoming fight and ended up flashing more skin than he intended to.