You don’t care about sports you say? That doesn’t matter too much considering everything that comes with the craziness that is the Summer Olympics. There's enough drama, tears and belly laughs to last another four years (good thing, too; the Winter Olympics just doesn’t do it for me). After a week of vegging on the couch, here are the top nine non-sports related moments of the Summer 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Jenairo in no particular order. (Yes, I know that half of these are related to Michael Phelps, but he’s kind of a legend.)
Making History. Despite Phelps undeniable success and Katie Ledecky’s world record, Simone Manuel was considered by some to have had the most historic contribution made in this years Summer Olympics. This young woman of 20 years was the first female African American Olympic swimmer to ever win a gold medal. She is honored to have accomplished the historic feat but she said it best herself: “…At the same time I would like there to be a day where there are more of us and it’s not, ‘Simone, the black swimmer.’ ”
22 Chains. Someone figured out that Michael Phelps had more gold medals than 56 countries. While Michael Phelps barely bats an eye at another gold medal, Jamaica, Argentina, Austria and a host of other countries are left in the dust of his bling. Can he just chill a little bit?
Finding Home. Rio has made history with it’s first refugee team giving them an Olympic home in the pool, the track or the judo mat. A story of epic proportions belongs to a refugee from the war torn country of Syria. Yusra Mardini, at age 17 along with the aid of her sister and two others, saved 20 refugees from drowning as they swam pulling a capsizing boat behind them. It took three and a half hours in the water before they arrived ashore. This Olympics has really shed light into who refugees are, regular human beings with big dreams and unfortunate circumstances.
Stank Face. As competitor South African Chad Le Clos shadow boxes to possibly get a rise out of Michael Phelps, Phelps keeps his eyes locked forward and slowly develops one of the most epic snarl angry faces of all time.
Big Boys Do Cry. Men are usually known for keeping it “together” and holding in any emotional outbursts. The internet stood behind one man that was not all that concerned about losing any macho credibility. USA rookie swimmer, Ryan Held could not hold back the rush of tears that gathered in his eyes after winning his first gold medal in the 4x100 freestyle relay. The national anthem played, Held sobbed, and the marriage proposals came rolling in for a man that was not afraid to show some emotion, gosh dang it.
Cheaters Never Win. Drama ensued as USA swimmer Lilly King answered Russian Yuliya Efimova’s number one gesture during an early heat, with her own no, no, no gesture. When asked about it later, King cited Efimova’s 16 month doping suspension as the reason she was not a fan of the Russian swimmer. A wag of a finger wasn’t King’s only answer as she went on to win gold in the 100m breastroke final swimming right alongside Efimova. #takethat
Thank Moms. The Thank You Mom campaigns launched by Proctor and Gamble gave us the opportunity to see the moms behind the success. As I’m sure we all were wondering, did Simone Biles really live through a tornado as it was put during the clip? Actually no, these commercials were based off seemingly loose metaphors for trial and tribulation. I appreciate that idea once I can get over the fact that I had been lied to.
Worth a Thousand Words. A beautiful moment was shared between two Olympic gymnasts, Lee Eun-Ju of South Korea and Hong Un Jong of North Korea when they did what would be the most natural thing to do at the Olympics: they took a selfie together. What may have looked like a simple moment between friends took on greater meaning as humans living in unity together despite any national agenda.
Baby Boomer. Michael Phelps' new baby was featured more than some sports during the first week of the Olympic games(probably not, but he certainly was in the spotlight.) Who can blame the camera people though? He’s the cutest, super patriotic, and he has his own verified Instagram account!
I Can’t Watch. Aly Raisman’s parents watching their daughter looks a lot like me playing Mario Kart (suffice to say I'm terrible.) People are poking fun at them, but I’m sure you’d feel a little uneasy about your kid doing things that could potentially break her neck.
It’s hard not to get caught up in the hype of the Olympic games. It is a two week period where Americans that normally could care less are beating their chests, hashtagging ‘Merica, and talking particulars about sports that aren’t even televised where they live. I love the Olympics and it is moments like these above that keep me watching. What are your favorite Rio moments?
