Michael Phelps Olympic Meme Wins Internet Gold

Michael Phelps’ pre-race attempt to psyche out a rival quickly turned into the meme of the Olympics so far.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Michael Phelps may be the most decorated Olympian of all time, but that doesn't mean that Twitter is above having a little fun at his expense.

On Monday, Phelps was waiting for the semifinals of the 200 meter butterfly when Chad Le Clos of South Africa, who defeated Phelps in that very same event in 2012, decided to spend his pre-race time standing directly in front of his rival. This attempt at intimidation caused Phelps to put on a very serious game face, which was caught by NBC cameras. 

From there, the memes started flying.

Listening to 'Channel Orange' like pic.twitter.com/QQeuqwQndl

— Complex (@Complex) August 9, 2016

I would very much like to be excluded from this narrative pic.twitter.com/5zuTbQJxwN

— Michelle Lee (@heymichellelee) August 9, 2016

"ALLOW ME TO REINTRODUCE MYSELF" pic.twitter.com/vNyhw3mEUR

— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) August 9, 2016

tfw u wanted gryffindor but were sorted into hufflepuff pic.twitter.com/I9UcziEmun

— Taylor Trudon (@taylortrudon) August 9, 2016

When the Wife says "I'm already tired of the Michael Phelps meme" pic.twitter.com/9yJFakIjyK

— Quarter Priced Crepes (@MajerMiner) August 9, 2016

when you're already sick of this meme pic.twitter.com/CpMWhdrHjp

— myles brown (@mdotbrown) August 9, 2016

Very soon, takes on the meme became weird and meta.

When people unfollow you because you won't stop tweeting the Michael Phelps meme pic.twitter.com/7G7Cv8BeuZ

— Emily (@EmilyRose474) August 9, 2016

when your entire timeline is the michael phelps meme pic.twitter.com/wxzCrEuK0C

— Jonah Javad (@JonahJavad) August 9, 2016

To learn more about Michael Phelps and other Olympic hopefuls, visit Teamusa.org. The Olympics begin Aug. 5 on NBC.

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