5 Olympics Memes That Kept the Internet Cracking Up

The Olympics is undeniably an exciting event filled with glory, amazing athletic feats, victories, and, oh yes – memes. So many memes. Thanks to the Internet being, well, the Internet, we know we can always expect to laugh just as much as we cheer while watching the games. Four years ago, we were blessed with the incredible “McKayla Maroney Is Not Impressed” meme, which was certainly the gift that kept on giving. However, McKayla’s got some serious competition in the Meme Olympics this year, especially with Michael Phelps in the running for 2016’s best facial expression. In the spirit of championship, here are the best memes (and all the endless Twitter riffs) that have emerged so far from the Rio Olympics:

The Tonga Flag Bearer

Olympian Pita Taufatofua caught the attention of pretty much everyone during the opening ceremony. I mean...all that oil. It’s almost impossible not to look, and Twitter was definitely looking. One user pointed out that Pita looks just as good in his oil as he does in a suit:

While another Twitter user started planning her next vacation:

Laurie Hernandez's Wink

Hi, yes, is there anything more empowering than Laurie Hernandez’s game face? She’s been called the “The Human Emoji” and we can definitely see it. (Free idea: Laurmojis!) Her iconic wink has been plastered all over the Internet as both a motivator and sassy comeback. One Twitter user likened the wink to the face you’d make when spotting bae:

While another user channels Laurie when leaving for work:

And this girl is all of us, pretty much:

An Epic Celebration Dance

After Kazakhstan weighlifter Nijat Rahimov slayed the weightlifting competition, broke a 15-year-old world record, AND took home a gold medal, he celebrated in literally the most amazing way possible: he danced. And it was the funkiest of dances. And thus, the internet was happy.

That Green Pool

Yeah, so...halfway through the first week of the Olympics...the diving pool turned green. And then last night, a second pool turned green as well. There are a few speculations as to why the water has been turning green (algae and a change in alkalinity have been cited as explanations), but the internet doesn’t really need to know WHY in order to respond accordingly. One Twitter user wondered if the Olympians are getting superpowers from swimming in the emerald water:

While another is worried that monsters might be lurking at the bottom of the pool:

Or, y’know, Shrek:

There have been some hilarious cartoon references:

And even Clorox got in on the action.

But the greatest meme of the 2016 Olympics so far is definitely...

Phelps Face

Prior to swimming his 200-meter butterfly, Michael Phelps was caught on camera, well, glaring. Maybe he was just zoning out into space, maybe he was trying to channel his #BeastMode, but either way, the Internet had a flippin’ field day.

There were Grumpy Cat comparisons:

Star Wars references:

So many Star Wars references:

There was some headline inspiration:

And lots of oh-so relatable comparisons:

Thank you, Michael Phelps. How will we ever repay you?

Related: Olympics 2016: Athletes Before They Were Famous

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