There are ways to celebrate and then there is Dean Boxall’s way to celebrate.
From his position above the pool, penned in behind a railing, the swimming coach of newly crowned Australian Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus set the internet alight on Monday with a frenzied celebration in Tokyo.
Boxall cavorted wildly after the 20-year-old Titmus dethroned US star Katie Ledecky in the final of the women’s 400m freestyle, handing the five-time gold medallist her first defeat in an individual event at the Olympics.
His extraordinary – if slightly questionable – celebration saw him striding through the spectator’s area, pumping the air, ripping his mask off and hip-thrusting against a transparent barrier.
Ariarne’s coach Dean Boxall sums it up perfectly! #TokyoTogether pic.twitter.com/Kvww2jpSFy
— AUS Olympic Team (@AUSOlympicTeam) July 26, 2021
The coach’s berserk gyrations became an immediate and international meme among the many viewers of the 32nd Olympiad.
Ariarne Titmus’ coach’s reaction after she won gold in the 400 metres - instantly iconic pic.twitter.com/dIdTgC6qv0
— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) July 26, 2021
In Australia, broadcaster Fox Sports declared Boxall an “instant icon”. Many viewers, including Australian tennis player Daria Gavrilova, wished that they could have that level of encouragement in their lives too.
If my coach doesn't react like this when I have a big win then i don't want it 🙄 https://t.co/9utbDyuyGc
— Daria Gavrilova (@Daria_gav) July 26, 2021
DEAN BOXALL IS ALL OF US!!!! YES ARNIE!!! Staring down the 🐐and WINNING!!! #Tokyo2020
— Georgie Tunny (@georgie_tunny) July 26, 2021
the Dean Boxall moment was almost designed to go viral. i’d never heard of him before but pretty confident he’ll now never have to buy himself a beer ever again. how good #Tokyo2020
— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) July 26, 2021
The ABC journalist Emilie Gramenz suggested that Boxall’s energy should be harnessed and used to inspire the recently awarded Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
Bloody hell is this Aussie behaviour. Straight to the Brisbane 2032 vision board. https://t.co/jcTJr3XOqz
— Emilie Gramenz (@emgramenz) July 26, 2021
It’s not the quantity of spectators. It’s the quality…
— Emma Husar (@emma_husar) July 26, 2021
I hope you all have someone who cheers for you like this guy does #OlympicGames #olympicspirit https://t.co/ojnQpf01L8
Around the world, hundreds of viewers were awestruck by the power of Boxall’s jubilation.
Just want to watch a video of Australia swim coach Dean Boxall losing his mind, while a somewhat terrified #Olympics staffer tries to calm/redirect him, on a loop forever.
— Matt Brickman (@Matt_Brickman) July 26, 2021
Congrats to Titmus' coach for earning meme of the week status
— Christian Schneider (@Schneider_CM) July 26, 2021
