Whether it’s a jaw-dropping play or an act of sportsmanship, viral sports moments capture the world’s imagination and spread like wildfire across social media. They help build bridges to new fans, create global communities of team loyalty, and turn athletes into heroes. In the digital age, viral moments are more prevalent than ever before.
This year’s Olympics brought us an incredible amount of viral sports moments, from an unexpected swimmer to a casual Turkish shooter. All of them had one thing in common: they were uniquely Olympic, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s shared by thousands in Paris and millions across the globe.
While some of these moments are purely for entertainment value, others serve as social commentary or a reminder of the human element that surrounds sport. Regardless of their purpose, they are among the most memorable and viral sports moments of 2024.
For example, when Syracuse center Zaila Avant-garde won the Scripps National Spelling Bee championship in March, it gave WNBA followers an opportunity to celebrate their favorite athletes outside of basketball, and showed how the unique aspects of a sport can resonate with fans.
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the sport landscape, there were still many moments that showcased the fun side of sports and captured the attention of fans and journalists. Throughout the month of June, we saw viral sports content about a feisty WNBA coach, a little league sensation, and even a Phillies Phanatic.
