The summer Olympic Games are here, and as with everything else, they’re better with cats! As it turns out, cats are big fans of the 2024 Paris Olympics’ gymnastics routines. As the gymnasts perform flips and spins that defy gravity, cats are there to ‘help.’
Olympic Athlete Jordan Chiles Has a Fluffy Fan
A cat named Winnie from Chicago is all about watching Paris Olympics athlete Jordan Chiles from Washington. As she performed her uneven bars routine, flipping and flying into the air, Winnie served as her virtual “spotter.” Well, sort of.
Winnie ‘helps’ Jordan Chiles. Image via Instagram/secondcitypup
As you can see, Winnie was fiercely determined to “help” Chiles, especially when she reached her peak height. Just before she stuck the landing, Winnie went all out and then even tried to give a high five to the human spotter.
“I can’t believe you let this happen, it’s so dangerous! This cat could’ve knocked her off the bars and lost us the Olympics!” joked Katherine on Instagram.
Winnie gives a high five!
Video via Instagram/secondcitypup
The next day, Winnie was excited about watching Jordan Chiles again.
“#1 fluffy fan ready to watch her win gold with Team USA!”
Spotted By a Cat
Winnie’s ‘help’ certainly didn’t hurt because Chiles and Team USA Gymnastics won a gold medal. It was the first for 23-year-old Chiles, who says she feels like Spiderman when she performs. Way to go! Winnie’s help from the TV set couldn’t have hurt either.
Although it was the athlete’s first gold, it wasn’t exactly the first time a cat has spotted Chiles. Below, she’s pictured with Tony the Tiger in 2023. Chiles and “Mission Tiger” delivered a donation to Hawthorne Middle School to help California kids continue enjoying sports programs.
Jordan Chiles with Tony the Tiger for a charity event called Mission Tiger. Image via Instagram/jordanchiles
Another Cat Paw-ticipates in Olympic Soccer and Gymnastics
On TikTok, Maverick the cat paw-ticipates in an Olympic soccer game as the Canadian team was playing France. According to his Mom, “Maverick scored a goal in Canada vs. France!”
Like Winnie, it’s possible the kitty thought he was “helping.” But he’s a cat so he does what he wants!
“Before I started filming, the contestant fell, so I think he has good reason to believe he can catch them! 😂” said Hallie Kathryn.
Images via TikTok/halliekathryn0
“Maverick with the GOOOOAAAAAAL!”
Video via TikTok/halliekathryn0
Previously, Maverick also loved interacting with the men’s gymnastics routines.
Maverick spots a Olympic gymnast via TikTok/halliekathryn0
And since he routinely monitors the TV, his Mom says, “I’m sure there will be more!”
See the adorable video of Maverick below via TikTok/halliekathryn0.
Cats Try to ‘Catch’ Olympic Athletes
Winnie and Maverick were among many kitties who went viral trying to “catch” Olympic athletes. Appearing on TODAY, Savannah Guthrie said the viral cats were turning the Olympics into “an interactive experience.”
“Frisky felines sticking their own little landing!” Guthrie joked.
“Everybody is talking about cats these days!” said Al Roker.
