Sometimes, outstanding athletes become international sensations within the blink of an eye. Once they became famous for their athletic feats, the world cannot stop celebrating everything they do. We’ve gathered a list of some moments that rocketed these athletes to fame. From incredible feats to wild events, these moments made headlines for a reason. So sit back and read about them while trying to keep your jaw from hitting the floor.
Iconic Athletic Moments Around the World
Naturally, these athletes believed they would be remembered for competing. However, they could have never predicted the tiny moments, some maybe even unrelated to their performance, that would leave a lasting impression on the world. Some of the athletes like, gymnast McKayla Maroney became famous for both her medals and memorable facial expressions. From a little warm up routine to a suspicious injury just before the games, these athletes will never be forgotten. These are the viral moments that forever changed their lives and everything that came after.
Iconic Olympic Moments
Allison Stokke: A Viral Underage Athlete
Ironically, we’ve starting with an athlete who is not an Olympian. However, we could not forget Allison Stokke in our list. While only in high school, a sports journalist snapped a picture of her pole vaulting and the rest was history. Sadly, she became an unwanted sex symbol. Despite feeling pressured by the unwarranted media photos, Stokke eventually reclaimed her name.
Allison Stokke: A Viral Underage Athlete
Stokke’s Soaring Fame
After the photo from her high school competition went viral, she gained a fan base. More photos of the athlete were uploaded and a site was created in her honor. Many people around the world claimed she was their “internet crush.” Everything was happening so fast, but Stokke felt overwhelmed by it all.
Stokke’s Soaring Fame
Asking For Some Help
In order to gain control, Stokke needed help. Constantly, she received requests for photo shoots and interviews or just fan mail. Thus, Stokke hired a media consultant in order to manage this newfound fame.
Asking For Some Help
Reclaiming Her Image
Before, it felt demeaning and inappropriate, but Allison found a way to reclaim her image. This athlete chose to begin modeling. So from a tiny moment captured of her competing in high school, this star now redefined herself. After she graduated high school, she signed with Nike and Athleta. Way to go!
Reclaiming Her Image
McKayla Who?
Part of the iconic Fierce Five US gymnastics Olympic team, this is gold medalist winner McKayla Maroney. Though she retired in 2016 because of health issues, the world will surely not forget her historical moment at the 2012 Olympics. Now, for one of her most iconic moments…
McKayla Who?
McKayla Is Not Impressed Meme
Of course, this gymnastic is celebrated for her unbelievable achievements. Yet, there was a split second moment from the London Olympics that changed everything. This champion ended up getting silver and not gold in London. Then, a photo of McKayla at the podium captured a hilarious expression the internet deemed as the ‘McKayla is Not Impressed’ face. Before she knew it, her face became viral hit and internet meme.
McKayla Is Not Impressed Meme
Simone Biles Changes The Game
On to the next gymnast, here we have Simone Biles. Part of the Final Five American team in the 2016 Rio Olympics, she became one of the most talked about athletes. First, we have to mention she was the vault and floor and all-around gold winner in Rio. Thus, she became the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history! I mean, she had 19 Olympic and World Championship medals to her name. However, it took just one moment during her routine to make the internet go wild.
Simon Biles Changes The Game
The Biles, Internet Hit
Get this, Simone successfully landed after two laid-out back flips with a half twist before sticking it! Understandably, fans around the world were in awe. Thus, the world needed to name the unbelievable move, The Biles. Naturally, her move became a meme with her flipping all the way into outer space and then back to Earth. Actually, this was not the only time the young gymnast made headlines.
The Biles, Internet Hit
Biles Snaps Back
After becoming such a fan favorite, she joined a season of Dancing with the Stars. However, some tension could be felt between her and the judges as they responded to her performances. Many comments from the judges were in reference to what they interpreted as a lack of emotion from Biles. When the host asked why some of the nicer responses about her routine did not get a smile from her, Biles snapped, “Smiling doesn’t win you gold medals.” Fans loved that she retorted with that powerful response!
Biles Snaps Back
Hope Solo, The Best Goalkeeper
Next we have a break from the gymnasts, with American goalkeeper Hope Solo. From 2000 to 2016, she proved her immense skills with the USA team. People often refer to her as the best female goalie in history. Well, it is quite impressive that she holds the record for career clean sheets in America. However, not everything in her career is as clean as that record.
Hope Solo, The Best Goalkeeper
Two Timer at the Olympic
Before we get to some of the more controversial moments, we have to give credit where it’s due. Solo has amassed quite the fan base. In all fairness, she helped lead her country to gold at not just the 2008 Olympics but also 2012 Summer Olympics.
Two Timer At The Olympics
TV Appearance
After the 2011 World Cup, Hope Solo got unbelievable offers. One, she got to model for magazines like oh, just ESPN’s The Magazine. In addition, she was asked to join Dancing with the Stars for a season! Sadly, some controversy overshadowed this exciting moment.
TV Appearance
Banned For Insulting Opponents
Solo made the news for some not so sportsmanlike comments in reference to her Swedish opponents. During the Rio game between America and Sweden, America took a loss, which Solo accredited to the Swedes focusing on defense rather than offense. Thus, she called them ‘a bunch of cowards,’ and this was not taken lightly. In fact, the President of American Soccer, Sunil Gulati commented that what she said was, “unacceptable and do not meet the standard of conduct we require from our national team players”. Solo was suspended for six months.
Banned For Insulting Opponents
FIFA Fans
Of course, many may associate Solo with aggressive behavior and negative comments, but there’s more to her. She’s actually helped her team achieve a lot. In the FIFA World Cup back in 2015, she helped the team clench their third ever championship in the Cup since the 90s. Actually, the final game broke viewing records. Perhaps, you didn’t know, but it was the most watched soccer game to ever be televised in the USA.
FIFA Fans
Perfect 10 Again and Again
Now, we need to rewind a bit for our next Olympian, Nadia Elena Comăneci. The Romanian gymnast rose to worldwide fame after her amazing performance in the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. There, Nadia accomplished the impossible and scored a perfect 10. As if that perfect 10 for uneven bars wasn’t enough, Nadia scored six additional perfect 10s. Naturally, people began calling her ‘Little Miss Perfect.’ She was also known for a more serious composure.
Perfect 10 Again And Again
Forever the Youngest 10
There’s more to it though. Forever in history, Nadia will remain the youngest to ever have scored a perfect 10. She achieved this score at the age of 14. Nowadays, the competing age has been changed to 16. Therefore, no one will beat that record of hers to be the youngest to earn a 10.
Forever The Youngest 10
Uniting The Nation Of Australia
Olympian Cathy Freeman faced much more than just the usual pressure of competing in the games, which is no piece of cake to begin with! When she ran as an Aboriginal for Australia in the 2000 Sydney Games, she was one of just 11 Aboriginals on her over 600 member team. Many hoped she would become a symbol of a progressive Australia. Thus, they chose her to light the torch. Also her 400 meter final win in just 49.11 seconds made her Australia’s 100th Olympic champion!
Uniting The Nation Of Australia
Katarina Witt, World Famous Skater
This German Olympic skater won gold for her country twice…in 1984 and 1988. Let’s not forget, she won twice at the World Championships. So in total, she racked up six wins at the European Champions consecutively starting in 1983 all the way through 1988. Now, that definitely seals her in Olympic history.
Katarina Witt World Famous Skater
Other Opportunities
Katarina continued to succeed in any path she pursued! When she was 32 years old, she posed for an issue of Playboy. Impressively, it became the second issue to sell out in their history. Also, she’s acted in Jerry Maguire, along with other films and TV shows.
Other Opportunities
USA Soccer Champ Alex Morgan
This American was just 22 years old when she played for the USA in the FIFA World Cup in 2011. Her team even won silver! She was the youngest player on the team that year. However, her shinning moment was at the London Olympics when Morgan scored the winning goal in the game against Canada. Her year finished with a total of 28 goals and also 21 assists. Thus, she joins Mia Hamm in the record for American women that scored more than 20 goals and had more than 20 assists in a single calendar year.
USA Soccer Champ Alex Morgan
Endorsement Deals Leading To New Record
As if her amazing records were not enough, she has landed amazing endorsements. She’s partnered with Nike, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola and Nike, among others. After hearing all those big brands, it’s no surprise that Time ranked the champion as the highest-paid US female soccer player in 2015. Surely, those big endorsements add up.
Endorsement Deals Leading To New Record
Gymnast Nastia Liukin
Next up, we have the Russian American gymnast Nastia Liukin. Perhaps, you remember her from the 2008 Olympics. Besides being the individual all-around champion, she has won 9 World Championships. That ties her with Shannon Miller for the third most medals from World Champions out of the American gymnasts. However, that is not all for this Olympic winner.
Gymnast Nastia Liukin
Early Retirement
Unfortunately, she did not make the team for 2012. Thus, this Olympian retired from the sport in 2012. Yet, like other former gymnasts, she joined in for a season of Dancing with the Stars. She competed during the 20th season with Derek Hough. Actually, they even got to the semi-finals!
Early Retirement
Coping With Grief
Meet Olympic gold medalist Ellen Hoog from the Dutch field hockey team. She won gold with her team in 2008. Back in 2006, her team became World Champions at the Women’s Hockey World Cup. Sadly, her father died from cancer only one week after her big European Championship win in Ireland. This strong willed athlete somehow continued on and started the next season despite her tragedy. What a hero!
Coping With Grief
Ronda Rousey Breaks Records
Can you believe Ronda is both a mixed martial artist and also judoka champ! Ronda, California native, is not one you want to mess around with. In fact, she made history as the first American female to win an Olympic medal in judo when she won in Beijing. Actually, that’s not all of her talents.
Ronda Rousey Breaks Records
Time On-Screen
Now, Rousey also can add actress to her impressive talents. Maybe you saw some of her work without realizing. For her first film, she appeared in The Expendables. In 2015, she acted in the HBO show Entourage along with Furious 7
Time On Screen
Misty May-Treanor the American Champion
Now, talk about impressive Olympic athletes…this champion volleyball player competed in three Olympic Games. American Misty May-Treanor won gold at all three games! Actually, she was named as the most successful female volleyball player in August 2012. Unsurprisingly, this champion was inducted to the Volleyball Hall of Fame.
Misty May Treanor The American Champion
Lip-Sync Discovery
Who doesn’t remember this unbelievable moment at the Beijing Olympics? Everyone thought the young nine year old named Lin Miaoke was the one singing the Chinese national anthem. It turned out that Lin’s voice was not considered nice enough to sing. However, the 7 year old Yang Peiyi who sang for Lin was deemed not beautiful enough to perform. Despite the Beijing organizers trying to save face, the world was astonished and disgusted at this PR move.
Lip-Sync Discovery
The Amazing Natalie Coughlin
Here, we have another record breaker Natalie Coughlin. This American swimmer competed at the 2008 Summer Games. Amazingly, she became the first American female to win a whopping six medals at one Olympics! Not to mention, the first female to win two back to back golds for the 100 m backstroke. Also she got the bronze at the 2012 Olympics. So all in all, she’s a 12 time Olympic medalist! Unreal!
The Amazing Natalie Coughlin
Kerri Strug, The Last Hope
Perhaps, you recall the iconic image of this Olympian gymnast being carried off after her final rotation. She was facing immense pressure at the 1996 Olympics. Strug, competing with America’s Magnificent Seven needed to clinch the win over the Russians, who were leading by 0.897 points. Sadly, her one teammate did not land cleanly and another team member fell twice. Thus, it all fell on her shoulders during the final vault performance for her team.
Kerri Strug, The Last Hope
Making History Despite Injury
Much to the fans’ dismay, Strug fell, hurting her ankle during her first landing. Still, judges gave her a 9.162 score. When she consulted with her coach Béla Károlyi on whether she needed to vault again, he responded, “Kerri, we need you to go one more time. We need you one more time for the gold. You can do it, you better do it.” Despite being injured, she stuck her next landing! Immediately, she collapsed and her coach had to carry her to get the gold medal.
Making History Despite Injury
Mysterious Injury Before Olympics
Now, we have a suspicious story of a not so accidental injury. Professional American skater Nancy Kerrigan was brutally assaulted by someone with a metal baton in January 1994 after practice. At the time, she was favored to win the championships. However, while Kerrigan recovered, another skater named Tonya Harding who was a 1991 champion, secured a spot on the Olympic team for the Winter Games. People began to suspect something was not right…
Mysterious Injury Before Olympics
A Shocking Confession
What happened next shocked the world. Someone named Shawn Eckardt made a confession to the FBI that he was an accomplice in the attack on Nancy. Even more outrageous, he implicated Jeff Gillooly in the assault. Who’s Jeff Gillooly you ask…that’s Harding’s ex-husband who apparently planned the attack. After some time Harding admitted to being aware of this. When the US Olympic Committee tried to kick her off the team, she filed a $25 million lawsuit.
A Shocking Confession
Down to The Finals
After the ordeal, Kerrigan miraculously recovered and competed in the Olympics! Clearly, the tension as the two faced off was palpable. However, Kerrigan secured a place first into the finals while Harding was in 10th place. In the finals, Kerrigan just missed a gold medal, but took home silver. Harding went home while her ex and his other accomplices were off to prison.
Down To The Finals
Now It’s A Movie
Unsurprisingly, this news spread across the entire globe. Actually, after Harding pled guilty to hindering the prosecution, she received a life ban from the USA Figure Skating Association. The story is much more complex than most realized, which is probably why they recently adapted it to film. I, Tonya(2017) stars Margot Robbie as Tonya and apparently, sheds a new light of the often villainized skater.
Now It’s A Movie
Dara Torres
Forget Michael Phelps, this champion swimmer from America won 12 Olympic medals! Also, she was the first to represent the USA at five games in 1984, 1988, 1992, 2000 and 2008. Torres is one of just three women to rank as winning the most medals in swimming in Olympic history.
Dara Torres
Carolina Klüft
Although now this Swedish track star is retired, she made Olympic history. How you ask? She won the heptathlon in 2004 and became the only track and field star to claim three consecutive world titles from 2003 to 2007 for the heptathlon. If that’s not impressive enough, she won 9 consecutive golds at major championships.
Carolina Klüft
Accidents Happen
Accidentally, Nikki Hamblin of New Zealand ran into fellow runner, Abbey D’Agostino of America during the 5,000 meter race. This incident in Rio ended up sending both women to the ground when Nikki tripped. Obviously, this took them out of the race and ruined any chance of placing. However, D’Agostino did not react how fans may have guessed.
Accidents Happen
Hug It Out
Instead of becoming angry and nasty, their friendly and sweet reaction made international headlines. D’Agostino and Hamblin not only helped each other up, but hugged. Also, D’Agostino discovered she had torn her anterior cruciate knee ligament. Miraculously, both women finished the race and got places in the final. However, D’Agostino couldn’t compete because of her torn ligament. She was wheeled away, but fans were warmed by their sportsmanship.
Hug It Out
Shaunae Miller
Next up is Shaunae Miller-Uibo from the Bahamas who made history in 2016 during the 400 meter race. No, it was not about what time she finished in. However, the world was stunned by how she won the race.
Shaunae Miller
Winning Dive
Probably, the most dramatic win in all the Rio Olympic events, Miller dove for the win. Seriously, she won by diving across the finish line. It sounds like a movie moment, but her lunge actually won her the gold over American world champion, Allyson Felix. Miller won with a time of 49.44 seconds.
Winning Dive
Post Dive
How can you surpass that epic gold-winning dive? Somehow, Shaunae managed to make history again when she broke Allyson Felix’s 200 meter world record, by finishing in 21.76 seconds in 2017! Oh and at the World Championships in 2017 she won bronze. Also, she married her college sweetheart. So, you could say she’s doing pretty well post-Rio.
Post Dive
Jordyn Wieber
Sadly, this American gymnast did not make it to the all-around final. Though her teammates, Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas advanced, we still need to praise Jordyn Wieber’s talent. During the London Olympics, she placed 4th overall! Astoundinly, she had been competing on an injury! That’s pretty amazing.
Jordyn Wieber
Persevere Through The Pain
Yeah, that’s some real dedication. Despite her stress fracture in her right leg from a heel injury, she pushed through. Jordyn Wieber said, “Once I got out on the floor, adrenaline took over and I didn’t really feel it that much…I know that eventually affected my performance. In the end, I have no regrets. I know injuries come with the sport and you have to deal with it and I’m glad I fought through and finished out to the end.”
Persevere Through The Pain
Laurie Hernandez
Unsurprisingly, Laurie Hernandez earned herself the nickname, ‘The Human Emoji.’ I mean, look at those sassy and adorable expressions! The internet went wild, especially when she winked at judges just before her routine.
Laurie Hernandez
Good Luck
Hey, maybe the wink gave her good luck! During the 2016 Summer Olympics, she helped the Final Five team win with her impressive score of 14.833. Overall, she got silver for balance beam and gold in the team event. Not too shabby!
Good Luck
Dancing With The Stars
However, it’s not just the medals making Laurie a hit. In 2016, she got to compete on the show, Dancing with the Stars and won the Mirrorball Trophy. Thus, becoming the youngest winner in their history.
Dancing With The Stars
Laurine van Riessen
Hey, it wasn’t just her Olympic cycling that got everyone talking about this Olympian from the Netherlands. She’s also a long track speed skater. However, fans were amazed not by her bronze medal at the Vancouver Games for the 1000 meter race, but a near race ending encounter during her track cycling race…
Laurine Van Riessen
Close Call
Miraculously, Laurine avoided a pretty close call during the race. Narrowly, she avoided crashing into fellow racer, Virginie Cueff from France. By riding up the side barrier, almost to the point of appearing horizontal, she was able to avoid tragedy!
Close Call
Unmatched Enthusiasm
In just one small moment, like the warm-up we’re getting to, a young woman’s life was changed. Fu Yuanhui became an internet meme and celebrated Olympian for her excited look on the podium as she claimed her bronze medal. Everyone adored her for her enthusiasm and her pictures spread like wildfire.
Unmatched Enthusiasm
Who Could Forget Gabby Douglas?
Back to both the Fierce Five and Final Five, we have a crucial team member, Gabby Douglas. She made history in both London and Rio. What makes this gold medalist so special over the other gymnasts, you may be wondering…
Who Could Forget Gabby Douglas?
Shattering Records on Records
Come on, who could not be impressed with all the records this athlete shattered? First of all, she became the first African American to win individual all-around at the Olympics. Wait, that’s not all…she’s also the first to win gold for individual and team at one Olympic games. What a champ!
Shattering Records On Records
A Star Is Born
Things only went up from there for Gabby! Actually, Lifetime turned her story into the biographical film, The Gabby Douglas Story. If that wasn’t cool enough, she even got a reality show, Douglas Family Gold.
A Star Is Born
Aly Raisman The American Champ
The amazing Aly Raisman was part of the Fierce Five and Final Five US Olympics gymnastics team. When she won gold in Rio along with Gabby, they made history as the only back to back wins for America! Not to mention, she won silver for individual all-around and floor exercise. Even her parents became viral for their extreme reactions while watching their daughter.
Aly Raisman The American Champ
Like Other Former Olympians
Naturally, former Olympians, and especially gymnasts, usually have an edge on Dancing with the Stars. Clearly, Raisman was no exception to the rule. In fact, she placed fourth in season 16 of the show with dancing partner, Mark Ballas.
Like Other Former Olympians
Just For Fun
Jaws dropped when Ester Ledecka (Czech snowboarder) took the gold for alpine skiing’s Super-G event. Well, that’s because this snowboarder decided to try the 2018 Winter Olympic skiing event just for fun. She borrowed someone’s skis, but ended up beating out the Austrian skier Anna Veith who was favored for gold. First she didn’t even believe the news, saying, “I really don’t know what happened. You tell me … I was riding. I really don’t know what happened. It was great.”
Just For Fun
Unbelievable Morning
Everyone couldn’t get over this American 17 year old’s experience at the 2018 Winter Olympics. First of all, Red Gerard woke up late after a long night of Netflix. He couldn’t even find his jacket so he borrowed his roommate’s. Despite this, he arrived to his morning snowboarding event on time and pulled off an incredible run. Oh and no big deal, but he cursed on international television upon hearing his own final score. The internet went wild over America’s first and youngest to win gold in Winter’s 2018 Olympics. What a legend!
Unbelievable Morning
Adam Steals Our Hearts
You didn’t need to be watching the 2018 Winter Olympics to hear about Adam Rippon, the American figure skater. From his endearing personality to his stunning performances, this Olympian soon became viral and even befriended celebrities on Twitter like, Zach Braff, Reese Witherspoon and Sally Fields. In addition, he was the first openly gay athlete to compete in the Winter Olympic games. He used his platform to speak out against Vice President Mike Pence’s anti-gay political agenda and refused to attend the White House post-Olympics ceremony with Pence. He’s posted now viral images of him kissing fellow gay Olympian, Gus Kenworthy, that called out the Vice President and celebrated the athletes’ sexuality.
Adam Steals Our Hearts
How The Hurdler Michelle Jenneke Became Famous
This Olympian competed at the Rio Olympics. However, her most famous viral moment came before then at the 2012 World Junior Championships. Back then, Michelle Jenneke was just a hurdler from a place called Kenthurst in Australia. She competed before then in the 2010 Junior Olympics, but she was not a worldwide sensation yet. Maybe once she finished 3rd in the 89th Australian Athletics Championships for the 100 m hurdles behind Sally Pearson, a world champion, she began to gain some recognition. Though, it was not until she competed in the 2012 Championships that the world would celebrate her.
How The Hurdler Michelle Jenneke Became Famous
Exciting New Career Opportunities
All of her fame stemmed from a small warm up ritual, but we’ll get there. Michelle soon got a once in a lifetime offer from Sports Illustrated. Amazingly enough, they requested she model for their annual Swimsuit Issue. Michelle could not believe her luck! The crew remarked at what a natural she was during the shoot, and she even showed them her iconic warm up in person. So, what’s the deal with this special pre-race routine?
Exciting New Career Opportunities
Facing Too Much Pressure
Sadly, things did not turn out great for the athlete at the Rio Olympics. First, things looked up because she was named ‘the face of Coca-Cola’ along with Kemar Bailey-Cole. However, she failed to live up to the outrageous expectations placed upon her. She finished in 13.26 seconds, taking sixth place and not advancing to the semi-finals. Even though she was a viral hit, which we will reveal why, she did not have a good day on the track during the Olympics. So, back to the viral hit…
Facing Too Much Pressure
Drawing Media Attention
Back to the big moment at the 2012 games…a spectator happened to capture Michelle during her warm up. What he caught on tape would forever change her life. At just 19 years old, Michelle was standing next to her competitors when someone filmed her. Just her small actions ended up making a huge impact around the world. The young athlete would have never dreamed her warm up routine could propel her so far. Since when would an athlete guess it would be a few tiny moves that would make her famous and not her athletic prowess?
Drawing Media Attention
The Famous Warm Up
While the rest of the athletes all stretched, Michelle Jenneke stood out. Meanwhile, Jenneke danced in front of the spectators and even posed for the camera. Then, came a viral hit. Michelle would forever become famous for her confident and cute dance, instead of her athletics. Remember that spectator that captured her on camera? Well, his clip of her little dance before the 100 m hurdle went viral! One upload was watched over 19 million times during a single week. Who knew that a hurdler who spent her life training for races would became a star for her warm up routine!
The Famous Warm Up