Olympic fans baffled as middle-aged man in ‘snazzy shorts’ comes to the rescue in swimming event

The incident during Sunday’s swimming heats has been branded ‘the best moment of the Paris 2024 Olympics so far’.

A man going by the name of ‘Bob The Cap Catcher’ has become a viral sensation after he performed heroics wearing a pair of multi-coloured Speedos at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Ahead of the women’s 100m breaststroke prelims on Sunday afternoon, American swimmer Emma Weber lost her swim cap in the pool at the La Defense Arena, Paris.

It was an incident that could have delayed proceedings but as cameras showed the cap floating helplessly in the water, a middle-aged man in brightly coloured Speedos arrived on the scene.

To the delight of thousands in attendance, a confident ‘Bob’ made his way over to the pool area and showed no signs of slowing down.

He proceeded to enter the water with a near-perfect dive before retrieving the cap as those in attendance applauded his efforts. You can check out that brilliant moment below:

GIVE THIS MAN A MEDAL! 🥇 When a rogue swimming cap found its way into the Olympic pool, this man and his snazzy shorts sprung into action in front of 15,000 people 👏👏 #BBCOlympics #Olympics #Paris2024

Here’s how fans on social media reacted to the scenes.

One said: “Just when I thought I’d seen it all at the Olympics! That dude in speedos stealing the show (and a lost swim cap) has got to be the most unexpected highlight reel of the games Who else is loving this unconventional display of teamwork?”

A second wrote: “The dude who just dove into the pool to retrieve the cap while wearing colourful speedos during the women’s heat – you’re a hero.”

A third commented: “Olympics have peaked. Middle aged French Dad bod in brightly patterned budgie smugglers fetching a rogue swimming cap out of the pool. Biggest cheer of the games so far, well played that man.”

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A fourth said: “Definition of taking your kit just in case you get the call up,” and a fifth added: “He was born for this moment.”

A Eurosport commentator said it was “an Olympic moment” and we couldn’t agree more. When the pressure was on, Bob produced on the grandest of stages. Bravo.