The Olympics always bring out the best and brightest sports stars, but their superhuman talents set them apart from us normal humans in a major way. This year, though, the Winter Games have introduced us to a new crop of athletes [1] who seem to be more chill and relatable than ever. When snowboarder Chloe Kim [2] said she tried not to cry after winning her gold medal because she "worked so hard" on her eyeliner, I felt that in my spirit. Adam Rippon is a Reese Witherspoon-loving national treasure [3], and self-professed "pretty calm guy" Red Gerard damn near missed his final competition because he slept through his alarm after a Netflix binge [4]. Who hasn't been there? We've rounded up the down-to-earth moments that had us saying, "Same."
When Chloe Kim Was Basically Like, "A Gold Medal Is Great, but This Eyeliner Is Too Poppin' to Ruin"
After winning a gold medal for the women's halfpipe, Chloe did an interview with Today and was asked what it was like to stand on the podium as the national anthem played [5]. Chloe replied, "I was trying so hard to hold the tears back, 'cause I was like, 'I can't cry right now, I can't do this, I worked so hard on my eyeliner.'"
And the congregation said, "Amen."
When Gus Kenworthy and Adam Rippon Trolled Mike Pence on Social Media
After refusing to meet with Vice President Mike Pence — whose controversial stance on LGBTQ+ rights is widely known — openly gay figure skater Adam Rippon and freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy joined forces to send a message [6] to the problematic vice president via social media.
"We're here. We're queer. Get used to it," Gus wrote on Twitter with a handful of cute photos [7]. "Eat your heart out, Pence," he captioned another Instagram snap.
In case you couldn't tell, this is relatable content.
When Adam Rippon Professed His Love For Reese Witherspoon
While talking with NBC, Adam first gave Reese a shout-out, saying, "I want to represent my country to the best of my abilities. I want to make Reese Witherspoon [8] proud." After nabbing a bronze medal [9] in the figure skating team competition, he gave another interview in which he declared that he owes his medal to Reese — more so than his own mother — because the actress "has more Instagram followers."
Perhaps the best part of this whole thing is that Reese Witherspoon is totally proud [10]! BRB, going to watch back-to-back viewings of Legally Blonde and Election, then binge-watch Big Little Lies.
When He Gave Us This Celebratory Shimmy
Just nailed your Olympics performance? Shimmy. Just got Beyoncé tickets? Shimmy. Just did your laundry instead of buying new underwear? SHIMMY.
When His Nerves Got the Best of Him and He Had the Perfect Idea For Calming Them
Watch his hilarious interview here [11]. Oh, and full disclosure: I made this recipe for dinner last night. It really works!
When Red Gerard Almost Missed His Snowboarding Finals Because of a Netflix Binge
Snowboarder Red Gerard made headlines when it was discovered that he nearly missed his final competition when he slept through his alarm [12] after binge-watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Netflix all night. Luckily, he was woken up by his teammate and was able to clinch the gold medal.
During a stop at Live! With Kelly and Ryan after his big win, Red said that he likes to think he's a "pretty calm guy," adding, "Just keep it mellow! Everyone always thinks you gotta have this crazy routine . . . but it's super chill; it's just a regular day."
How many times have you slept through your alarm because you stayed up too late the night before catching up on The Crown? I was once so late to work that I accidentally put my shirt on backwards.
