From a dog saving a soccer goal to an NFL star’s heartwarming tribute for Memorial Day, viral sports moments capture the world’s imagination. They’re more than awe-inspiring plays or entertaining antics; they build bridges to fans across the globe, connecting people through their shared love of sport and fostering communities of team loyalty. These micro-moments can take place anywhere, from the Olympics to a darts player’s unexpected stunt. And when they’re successful, they go beyond entertaining and captivate us all, spreading like wildfire on platforms such as TikTok.

There were plenty of wacky and head-scratching moments at the Olympics this year, but no one grabbed the attention of the masses quite like Rachael Gunn’s breakdancing antics. Her bizarre routine had spectators and judges scratching their heads and late-night hosts had a field day with her meme-worthy moves.

Simone Biles’ Yurchenko double-pike vault from the 2023 World Championships left even professional gymnasts speechless and has garnered over 750 million views on TikTok to date. Not only is this a stunning display of power and precision, but it’s also a moment that challenges gender stereotypes for women in sports.

Lots of people make foolish decisions after a few pints at the pub, but few regret them as much as Freddie Andrews did when he decided to slide down a metal divider between two escalators in the London Underground while wearing a full soccer uniform. His stunt went viral and he later admitted to regretting the decision.