US diver Tyler Downs wins the internet with his ‘brat’ Olympics joy

US Olympic diver Tyler Downs, 21, has become one of the stars of the US contingent in Paris… at least for his social media use.

Downs has posted a couple of videos recently using music by Charlie XCX. One video, using the song “Apple”, racked up over 11 million views over the weekend.

Downs busts some dance moves in front of the Eiffel Tower and captioned the video by saying, “This is not real LMAO”, suggesting he can’t believe he’s at the Olympics.

@tylerdownss this is not real LMAO #teamusa #olympics #paris2024 ♬ original sound – gabbriette

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Here’s another two videos from recent days, using the same track.

@tylerdownss just being brat in paris #teamusa #olympics ♬ original sound – gabbriette

@tylerdownss serving our country and serving brat 🫡🇺🇸 #teamusa #olympics ♬ original sound – gabbriette

Online, over 100,000 agreed with one comment saying, “BRATLYMPICS IS SO ON.”

Many others wondered whether Downs is the US answer to a certain, famous British diver.

“Guys!!! We have American Tom Daley???!?” was another well-liked comment.

Downs has not publicly talked about his sexuality. However, his social media use has left many people speculating. As Outsports reported, last fall, Downs and his good friend, Bryden Hattie (an out-gay Canadian diver) were in Santiago for the Pam American Games. Hattie described him and Downs as “the gay icons of Pan Ams” in a video caption. He tagged Downs, who made no comment or denial.

In another video he shot with Downs, Hattie jokingly about them fending off men after they open Grindr in the athletes’ village.

@brydenhattie WHAT HAVE WE DONE @tylerdowns #chile #panamericangames #santiago #santiagodechile #chile2023 #sports #diving ♬ original sound – Grindr

In a recent video, Downs introduced another member of the US diving team, saying, “I’m passing the phone to someone, because he does synchro with me, everyone thinks he’s gay.”

@tylerdownss You have to wait for the end😭 #teamusa #olympics @Team USA @NBC Olympics & Paralympics @Andrew Capobianco @Sarah Bacon @Kassidy Cook @Delaney Schnell @Carsonltyler ♬ original sound – tylerdowns

Outsports wonders whether Downs will be like Olympic skater Johnny Weir. He too was another athlete who many speculated was gay before he eventually came out after retiring.

“Is Tyler Downs gay? Bi? Straight?” concludes Outsports. “Frankly, we don’t care. He is who he is, and if he’s the Johnny Weir of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, we’re here for it.”

Downs is in Paris to compete in the 3-meter synchronized springboard, along with diving partner Greg Duncan. The two men compete this Friday (August 2).

Here’s wishing him all the best. However he scores in the pool, he’s already winning on social media.

Oh, and on the subject of Tom Daley, the British diver achieved his dream of another Olympic medal today. He and diving partner Noah Williams won silver in the men’s 10-meter synchronized diving. It was Daley’s fifth medal in five Olympic games.

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