OlympicTok: Athletes Taking Over Our FYP
It has been an exciting first week of the Olympic Games - we’ve witnessed more than one record be broken (we’re talking about the GOATs Biles and Ledecky), new icons be born (hello there, pommel horse guy), and an endless supply of inspiring moments that have filled us with excitement. The Games are one of the most broadcasted events in the world because of its international participation and incredible displays of athleticism. Yet this year’s top coverage has been from a more exclusive source: the athletes competing.
Thanks to social media platforms, especially TikTok, the Paris 2024 participants have been constantly sharing the behind-the-scenes from their day to day. The results are a perfect adaptation of popular trends matched up to Olympic activities in a highly entertaining way to continue the event’s hype from their point of view. Not only do we get glimpses into what happens once the competitions are over, but it also serves as the athletes' way to introduce themselves to the world and show their personality through their creative content.
Henrik Christiansen - TikTok
Such is the case of Henrik Christiansen, a Norwegian swimmer now known on the internet by the self-proclaimed title of “Olympic muffin man”, derived from his obsession with the Olympic villa’s chocolate muffins. What started as a joke of Henrik posting a couple of videos about his love for the pastries quickly became a full storyline. Other athletes are carrying on the fun. New Zealand swimmer Lewis Clareburt shared a post about spotting him as if he were a well-known celebrity, and Quah Jing Wen from the Singaporean team mentioned that she finally found the muffins but wasn't keen on stealing one from "that one Norwegian swimmer".
Christiansen isn’t the only one who has provided us with memorable content. Team USA’s own Tyler Downs, a two-time Olympic diver, hasn’t let the competition stop him from having a brat summer. He’s been recreating the “Apple” by Charli XCX’s viral dance in several locations. The most iconic one is undoubtedly while riding on the opening ceremony boat, with the Eiffel Tower serving as the perfect background. The broadcasts may show us a glimpse of the events, but this type of inside exclusive content allows us to see how the athletes enjoy their experience while reminding us how relatable it is to not get the hit song out of our heads.
It's been exciting to see which Olympic moments will become viral trends next. The GRWMs are no exception. The Paris 2024 uniform has been getting a lot of attention and has been proudly showcased by its owners. Irish rugby player Harry McNulty will take you through the fashion details (worthy of a content creator's approval) with a step-by-step close-up of each clothing item. The queen of rugby and new internet icon, Ilona Maher, won't miss the chance to joke about the apparent similarities between the USA's uniform and a Sue Sylvester outfit - confirmed by Jane Lynch herself. In any case, we're here for any new content that comes straight out of the Olympic village.
Ilona Maher - Getty Images
During the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, strict restrictions were in place due to the pandemic. Athletes had to follow severe protocols that limited their interactions and typical Olympic experiences. As a result, this created very different situations for them compared to the current Paris 2024 games. The athletes at Paris 2024 are eager to capture every moment, bond with fellow athletes, and creatively showcase their experiences. The TikTok content from the Paris 2024 games is already standing out as a winner, even with more than a week left to go.