Nadira Goffe, a culture writer for Slate known for her keen insights into internet trends, joins to explore the vibrant world of the 2024 Paris Olympics. They dive into the best memes, from Snoop Dogg's unforgettable moments to standout TikTok personalities, all while playfully debating their 'gold medal crushes.' The duo reflects on nostalgic Olympic memories, humorous highlights from the opening ceremony, and the endearing community spirit among athletes, capturing the essence of sportsmanship mixed with fun.
The podcast highlights how social media brings fans closer to Olympic athletes through playful engagement and personal connections beyond their sports achievements.
The discussion showcases the emotional depth of the Olympics, emphasizing community building and inspiration through powerful performances and shared experiences among diverse athletes.
Deep dives
Olympic Enthusiasm and Memorable Experiences
The speakers share their passion for the Olympics, recounting their experiences of watching various sports and athletes. They express excitement over events such as synchronized diving, surfing, and even equestrian vaulting, highlighting the diversity of sports showcased. Personal anecdotes are shared about memorable Olympic moments, including the impact of Usain Bolt's performance in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the recognition of other athletes like Gabby Douglas. This level of engagement reflects how the Olympics transcends individual events, bringing countless stories and emotions to the forefront.
Olympic Crushes and Celebrity Moments
Throughout the episode, speakers engage in playful dialogue about their Olympic crushes, showcasing their interest in the athletes beyond their sports. For instance, they mention Matias del Olio, a skateboarder with charming demeanor, and Tom Daley, whose knitting during the Tokyo Olympics became a notable trend. They humorously discuss their crushes and highlight how social media creates a more personal connection to these athletes, allowing fans to engage with them beyond competitive performances. This adds an entertaining layer to the Olympic narrative, intertwining admiration with lighthearted banter.
Best Internet Moments and Memes from the Olympics
The hosts share a light-hearted segment dedicated to the funniest and most memorable moments that emerged during the Olympics, particularly highlighting social media trends. They mention a humorous meme featuring LeBron James during the opening ceremony and the viral moment involving Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi's lost wedding ring, which became a poetic social media sensation. Additionally, they explore the emergence of creative content like TikTok videos celebrating Olympic moments, showcasing how athletes and viewers alike create a communal experience. This focus on internet culture reveals the intersection of traditional sports and modern digital engagement.
Inspiring Performances and Emotional Highlights
The episode culminates in a discussion of touching performances that celebrate the spirit of the Olympics. They praise the powerful performance by Celine Dion at the opening ceremony, drawing attention to her personal journey and connection to the Olympic ideals. The speakers share a video of Fijian athletes singing, expressing how the music built community and camaraderie among competitors. These moments allow them to reflect on the deeper significance of the Olympics, emphasizing its role in fostering unity and inspiration across diverse backgrounds and athletes.
Candice Lim and Slate culture writer Nadira Goffe curate the internet’s best memes and moments from the 2024 Paris Olympics thus far. From the best Snoop Dogg moment to their favorite Olympic TikToker, they begin with the question on everyone’s mind: who’s winning the gold medal for best Olympic crush?
This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Candice Lim, with production assistance by Jared Downing.