When sports moments go viral, they capture the worlds imagination. From a dog saving a soccer goal to an NFL star’s heartwarming tribute for Memorial Day, these micro-moments transcend their respective leagues and spark global conversation. Viral sports moments are more than just awe-inspiring plays or entertaining antics; they help athletes and their brands bridge the gap to new fans, build communities of team loyalty and create lasting memories.

While most Olympic athletes train their entire lives for their moment in the spotlight, not all are blessed with such an opportunity. One exception is Yusuf Dikec, who won a silver medal in shot put with an effortlessly cool stance that had everyone talking. He may not be the most famous Olympian, but he’s definitely the most viral.

A good number of people regret decisions they make after a few pints, but few do so as much as Freddie Andrews, who decided to slide down a metal divider between two escalators on the London Underground after watching the World Darts Championships. He quickly went from hero to villain as his video racked up millions of views on social media.

Athletes and sports leagues are increasingly reliant on social media to connect with fans in real time and promote their content. However, sometimes the big social media moment happens organically, like when NBA star Steph Curry delivers a troll-busting post honoring fallen service members or NASCAR star Danica Patrick shares a touching tribute for Memorial Day. Other times, sports brands can intentionally engineer a viral moment with the help of a creative agency like Zoomph.