Whether it’s an awe-inspiring play or a heartwarming tribute, the sports world has no shortage of moments that capture the world’s imagination. These micro-moments transcend leagues, cultures, and generations to create lasting memories. And they’re not just fun to watch—they also help athletes and brands bridge the gap to new fans, build communities of team loyalty, and inspire a whole generation of athletes.

Fortunately, the past year has seen a slew of sporting moments go viral. From luger Rachael Gunn’s head-scratching dance routine at Sochi 2024 to the heroic soccer goal-saving intervention of a dog, these videos are sure to leave you laughing, cheering, or just plain bewildered.

But that’s not to say these moments are all equal in their impact. In fact, some take off so fast that they can even make you feel like a part of the moment. This is particularly true for viral sports moments that show off the lighter side of the game.

This past year saw a number of such moments, from NBA star Steph Curry’s troll-busting post honoring fallen service members to the polarizing Olympics-related controversy over the Dwyane Wade statue unveiling. But there were also a ton of wacky, head-scratching sports moments outside of the Olympics. From “pommel horse guy” earning a bronze medal and going on “Dancing with the Stars” to Ilona Maher rumbling over Aussies, these wacky sports moments dominated social media throughout the summer. And they’re proof that even the most ordinary sports moments can make waves on Instagram X, TikTok, and beyond.