When you’re an Olympic athlete, coming up short of your goal after training for it for years is probably the last thing you want. But if you’re going to fail, you might as well go viral for it. That’s exactly what happened to Turkish shooter Yuriy Dikec, who became an instant Internet sensation for his bizarre stance at the Rio Olympics.
In a world of high-stakes athletic competition, it’s easy to forget that sports can sometimes have a lighter side, too. That’s why so many viral sports moments are so unforgettable. Whether it’s a soccer player’s amazing goal-saving intervention or an unforgettable encounter between the Brooklyn Nets’ mascot and a darts legend, these incredible moments have left fans around the globe with a sense of humor and a reminder of the unpredictability of sport.
This year alone has had a lot of head-scratching sports moments, from Pommel Horse Guy earning a bronze medal and a spot on “Dancing With the Stars” to Ilona Maher rumbling over Aussies in the Olympics. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to weird and memorable sports events. Here are some of the best.