I don’t own a lot of patriotic clothes or items compared to Steelers stuff or items from college and high school. So to show my support Team USA at Rio this year, I went with my star spangled baseball cat and my pink rose shirt as an approximate match (though it’s not necessarily red, white, and blue. I also took the picture in my back yard for added scenery.
Growing up in the Pittsburgh area and by extension the United States, I’m well aware that plenty of sports fans can be a bit crazy. So much so that they’d show up to a game for their time in an outlandish costume like you’ve seen in my NFL fan post back in the fall. A lot of them also tend to get drunk, start fights, and occasionally riot. Fortunately, while NFL and other football fans may be among the craziest sports fan contingents in the country (since we have plenty of college sports fans who do the same such as WVU fans burning couches when their team wins) or even in the world. After all, the craziest hockey fans hail from O, Canada while soccer fans tend to be notorious in Europe and South America. Seriously, there are reports about a ref getting killed and his head put on a pike for stabbing a player in Brazil. Yeah, they take soccer that seriously. However, as far as sport fan insanity goes, Olympic fans have to be up there (though it’s hard to say whether they compare to soccer fans at the World Cup). I mean these fans spend tons of money to travel to a foreign country and possibly dress in an outlandish outfit to show support for their team. And I’m sure Olympic tickets aren’t cheap either. Still, while going to the Olympics in London, Torino, or Vancouver might not be too bad, sometimes the Olympics can be held in areas a lot of people wouldn’t travel to like Sochi which is in Vladimir Putin’s Russia, Beijing based in a country with known human rights violations, poverty, and is known for extreme air pollution, and this year in Rio de Janiero with problems like corruption, Zika, water pollution, poverty, environmental devastation, lots of crime, an insufficient police force, and a whole other shitload of problems. Let’s just say whoever thought having the Olympics in Rio didn’t foresee that it was probably not a good idea. Nevertheless, many Olympics fans will come to support their teams from all around the world. And many will wear their crazy fan costumes along with it. So for your reading pleasure, I give you a treasure trove of Olympic fans in their gold medal glory. Enjoy.
- When it comes to supporting USA, there’s always that one guy who has to appear in an American flag suit.
And one even has his face painted. However, you see this all the time in the US for all kinds of sporting events.
2. I guess these two are from China.
Because the panda bear hats make it incredibly obvious. Not sure about the medals in their mouths.
3. Seems like the Capitol has their own share of Olympic fans.
My mistake, these people are actually from Lithuania. But they’re all anticipating for the odds being ever in their favor.
4. This woman always has to look her Olympic best.
And she has the hat to top it off with. Hope she doesn’t accidentally end up injuring anybody. Because that would be bad.
5. This Brazilian proudly shows off his tickets.
However, you wouldn’t want to sit behind this guy in the stands. Or his friend for that matter.
6. Some Brazilians always have to attend in style.
I guess you can do quite well in Brazil if you work as an Elvis impersonator and a circus clown. How else could I explain his outfit?
7. This American will go to great lengths as an ultimate Olympic fan.
Not sure of how to make out that in the Olympic stands. Yet, he shaved US on his chest for his country.
8. In support of Team Japan, some fans would attend the games wearing traditional kimono attire.
Okay, I know that kimonos are unisex attire in Japan. However, I find a guy in one with floral decoration and blue hair somewhat hard to take seriously. I know that men wear stuff like that in kabuki theater. But that’s beside the point.
9. This American fan decided to carry his own Olympic torch.
However, he also decided to dress in a way that’s mocking his fellow country men earning at a significant lower income level. Also that torch is made from Bud Light beer cans.
10. Guess this man is all Union Jacked for the Olympics.
Because this British guy seems to look like a UK flag waving circus clown. Even has the wig and the face makeup.
11. Nothing says, “Viva la France” at the Olympics like face paint an jester hats.
And you thought the French were above that sort of thing, save in soccer. You were wrong.
12. At the Olympics, even the Japanese youth engage in their national spirit.
If he were an anime character, you wouldn’t take it as anything out of the ordinary. Still, kind of reminds me of a child circus clown more than anything.
13. For Russians, the Olympics are always a family activity.
Here’s a Russian family in their team spirit. All are donned in their ridiculous clown wigs and flag colors. The father even painted his face.
14. At Sochi, you can never see a more resplendent Russian hat than this.
For some reason, I wonder if his hat was taken from a logo in a beer advertisement or something like that. However, I think it’s the Russian national seal.
15. Guess this guy is literally, “horny” for Norway.
Sure his Viking ancestors didn’t wear horned helmets in battle. But he doesn’t care. He and his buddy also have their faces painted in the Norwegian flag.
16. A British fan must always dress in formal attire.
Not sure about a flashy tuxedo though. But I’m sure it’s probably a British thing even though Americans might see it akin to Las Vegas.
17. A hat with horns is always all the rage among Hungarian fans.
Is this supposed to be a Hun helmet? Because that would explain a lot. Still, I don’t think Huns wore helmets like that into battle either.
18. Don’t tell me Santa Claus is at the Olympics.
Actually that’s Grandfather Frost, or Ded Moroz who was used as a Santa Claus figure for New Years during the Soviet era. However, since the 1990s, he’s become the Russian Christmas mascot.
19. I now give you the Swedish version of Blue Man Group.
Okay, these are just Swedes with their bodies painted and wearing Viking helmets. Still, this is pretty insane if you think about it.
20. Apparently, these are two wild and crazy star spangled guys.
These two are wearing flag faces, have flag painted faces, and are don flag shades. So their patriotism should be unquestioned.
21. I suppose these two guys hail from New Zealand.
Because they’re dressed like a couple of kiwis. And I know the kiwi is a symbol for that country. Might’ve been cooler if they came as Hobbits.
22. Nothing says Dutch pride than dressing up as an orange animal.
Dutch fans tend to wear a lot of orange and are very easy to identify at international sporting events. They also tend to have a lot of crazy fans.
23. Hey, is that one of the guys from the Battleship Potemkin?
Probably not, but he sure looks like it. However, only Russian film buffs will understand that reference.
24. Oh, my God, it’s Russian president Vladmir Putin!
Sorry, my mistake. Just a Russian fan in a reptilian mask that sort of resembles Lord Voldemort. Probably more harmless than he appears. Except when he’s drinking.
25. This fan is all decked out for Morocco.
Don’t see a lot of Morocco Olympic fans on the Internet. But this guy is proudly wearing his country’s flag.
26. Seems like someone really has the Irish spirit.
Because nothing shows off Irish patriotism than showing up at the Olympics in a leprechaun costume. Hey, at least these are Irish fans from Ireland here.
27. Nothing shows one’s love for Uruguay than wearing a tall blue furry hat.
Even though you wouldn’t want to wear a hat like this in Uruguay. But these guys don’t seem to care.
28. For Team Canada, just shouting, “Go Team Canada!” won’t do.
So this guy has to get a megaphone and a siren because he’s a Canadian patriot, dammit. Nevertheless, this picture is from the 1980s.
29. My, those are big Olympic mittens.
Let me guess, this guy is from the Netherlands? How do I know that? Guess it’s the orange.
30. In Russia, it’s possible that old Soviet nostalgia lives on.
Well, from what I can tell from these costumes. Still, they may just be fans who want to stand out for all you know.
31. These guys all have Norway on their faces and the rest of them.
They’re also wearing Viking hats, too. Because that’s what Norwegian fans do, apparently.
32. Apparently, these two are partial to wearing a queenly mask.
Because they’re British and the Queen is part of their tradition. Still, looks kind of creepy.
33. For this Chinese fan, he wears his team spirit on his skin.
Because he’s just a crazy Olympic fan to have such design on his chest forever. I know it’s nuts but it’s his choice.
34. This man is dressed in support of American Olympic gold.
And I guess he has to don a ridiculous star spangled outfit to prove it. Love the hat though.
35. I guess these guys are supporting the British swim team.
Oh wait, they’re actually British weightlifting fans. How they find weightlifting exciting, I have no idea. But they seem super pumped for it.
36. This woman has her hair done in the latest Olympic style.
Yes, she has her hair in Olympic rings. Perhaps it’s not the craziest display at the Olympics. But it’s up there.
37. Nothing shows British pride like a sparkly Union Jack suit.
So I guess these outfits are worn by British Elvis impersonators. Then again, they must really love their team.
38. This fan is proud to support Norway as a bearded Norseman.
His helmet is even crocheted even at the horns and beard. So he could really get the Viking look.
39. For the British, there’s no better way to attend the Olympics than in a suit.
As long as it’s in a Union Jack suit, that is. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be proper.
40. This Czech isn’t afraid to clown around.
And it seems this clown is proud of his country. Don’t mind the red nose and horn.
41. Even Uncle Sam likes to get into the Olympic action.
Here he is in an American flag suit as well as his hat, glasses, and beard. And he’s really getting into it.
42. You can never get a more star spangled crows than this.
And it seems that this group is decked in American flags. How patriotic that you’d almost think they’re celebrating the 4th of July.
43. This Brazilian always knows how to give a shout out.
Because he’s carrying a megaphone with him. Doesn’t hurt he’s clothed in Brazilian attire.
44. This Brit has a very severe case of Olympic fever.
After all, he’s decked in Union Jacks and has a large Olympic hat. So he’s ready to support Team Britain.
45. You haven’t heard of an Olympic torch hat, have you?
Now that’s a really big hat with a really big torch. Not sure if I’d want to sit near someone like her.
46. With the Dutch, it’s always Orange is the New Black.
Because they’re always decked in orange. One even has an orange shaped hat.
47. You’re not an Australian fan until you have a kangaroo on your shoulder.
Or at a blow up or stuffed one on your shoulder. Because real kangaroos are big and mean.
48. Apparently, Australians prefer to dress in green.
And these two seem to resemble two backup dancers from a 1980s hair band music video. Not to be critical.
49. A Canadian suit always has to have fur accessories.
Like a furry hat no less. Also, a Canadian suit has to be decked in maple leaves. Because a maple leaf is on their flag.
50. Guess she’s one of those curling heads.
Because she’s wearing a curling stone hat. Helps that she’s also from Canada, eh.
51. While The Thomas Crown Affair had “Windmills in Your Mind,” the Dutch have windmills in their eyes.
Yes, nothing shows pride for the Netherlands than windmill sunglasses. How Dutch of him.
52. Don’t worry, that’s a little Dutch girl.
Okay, it’s a Dutch guy in a pigtail wig. But as they say, anything goes in Amsterdam.
53. In warmer weather, the Norwegians put their scarves on their Viking horns.
Well, as far as this picture tells us. Then again, he might’ve done so to look more badass.
54. Nothing shows spirit for Team Russia than hats made from tissue paper.
Don’t ask me where they got the idea. I wasn’t consulted. And yes, that looks ridiculous.
55. Even the horses attend the Olympic festivities in Russia.
Okay, it’s a Russian in a horse head. But you have to appreciate the Russians’ sense of humor.
56. America: Land of the Free, Home of the Cheese.
I bet you any money that this guy is from Wisconsin. Because cheese hats are associated with Green Bay Packers fans.
57. For Uruguay fans, dred hats will do just fine.
Seems that Uruguay fans have an interesting taste in headwear. Not sure why.
58. Apparently, the front Dutch line is ripped.
Well, they’re wearing outfits like that. Still, these guys seem to be insane.
59. Looks like this Canadian fan got boxed in.
Then again, he probably doesn’t mind so much in the head. Some Canadians are funny that way.
60. Some Swiss fans can be recognized by the crosses on their faces.
However, don’t assume they’re neutral in sporting events. Because they’re team usually participates. In war, it’s an entirely different matter.
61. Sometimes the Swiss might take to clown wigs.
Not sure if that makes them look even more ridiculous. Guess they tend to go all out.
62. Didn’t know you’d have some of King Arthur’s knights showing up.
Reminds me so much of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Must have something to do with the outfits.
63. For Uruguay fans, kush makes them stand out.
Yes, have to hand it to these Uruguay guys again. Those wigs certainly look ridiculous to me.
64. For New Zealanders, everything is better with penguins.
What the hell do penguins have to do with New Zealand? Kiwis, I understand. But penguins, I give up.
65. For Japanese fans, nothing makes you stand out than being dressed as a bowling pin.
Because that’s what this woman is dressed as. I know it’s ridiculous, but you expect such stuff from Japan.
66. Guess that’s what you call an Olympic gear head.
Not sure where this guy’s from. But you have to like his gear Olympic rings.
67. For added American patriotic pride, try Captain America’s helmet and shield.
Because sometimes flags aren’t enough for American patriotic pride. Occasionally, you’ll have to use a patriotic superhero.
68. Seems like we have a couple of old men from Oman.
Okay, they may not be actually old. But is it ridiculous? I’ll say.
69. All hail the Canadian Olympic bugler.
Okay, I don’t think they have buglers like that. But it is pretty funny, especially since he’s wearing tights.
70. Perhaps you didn’t know Canadians preferred big hats.
My, that’s a really huge hat with feathers. Might expect that from Mexico. Canada not so much.
71. So I suppose this Dutchman is a literal strawman.
Since he has straw in his hair. Yes, the Dutch have a strange way with things at the Olympics.
72. You’ve heard of an afro. How about a Fin fro?
I know the guy’s wearing a wig. But he also has his face painted in the Finnish flag.
73. Nothing shows American patriotism like an American Eagle hat.
Well, he has an American Eagle on his hat. That and not supporting Donald Trump, by the way.
74. Here are a couple of yeti in support of Team Canada.
You’d think they’d be for Team Nepal since they’re legendary Himalayan monsters. But no, they have Canadian flags.
75. I bring you a couple of Canadian puck bunnies.
I’m really not sure what a “puck bunny” is. But I think this scene is hilarious.
76. Just a couple of Canadian fans minding their own business.
Okay, these guys are in the bathroom. But, hey, everyone’s got to go sometime.
77. That Dutch woman is really, oh, wait, that’s a guy.
Now this is just crazy. Seriously, why the hell is he wearing a boob suit? That’s just so wrong on many levels.
78. Guess these two are what you call Italian ostriches.
I’m not sure why they’d go with the ostrich heads. To me, that’s just plain crazy.
79. Hey, look, an Olympic torch runner.
Wait a minute, that’s a fan from Brazil. But at least he’s appropriately dressed for Rio this year.
80. Guess this Dutchman has his athletes’ places.
Well, at least his hat gives plenty of shade. Still, wouldn’t want to sit behind him.
81. Even an Elvis impersonator comes out to support Team USA.
And he’s wearing a large cowboy hat to show for it. Still, not sure if I’d want to risk ruining that jumpsuit.
82. Nothing emphasizes American pride like a Native American war bonnet.
Sorry, but that’s culture appropriation. I’m sure the Indians won’t be happy about that at all. But on the bright side, at least he’s not dressing for a Redskins game.
83. This guy is filled with star spangled pride he had the American flag painted on him.
Now that’s just plain nuts. Really, why would anyone do that? That just seems to take a long time.
84. I suppose these guys are cheering for their beach volleyball team.
Perhaps that’s just a lucky guess. Still, looks really ridiculous if you ask me.
85. When it gets too hot, this Japanese woman can use a fan to cool off.
Since she already has a fan on her head. But she’s already watching intently.
86. Guess these two kids have Japan on the mind.
One of them even has a clown wig and Japanese glasses. Makes him resemble a cartoon character.
87. Looks like this American guy is a hit on the stands.
Really don’t get those body suits. Wonder how this guy even sees.
88. As this man knows, the London Olympics should expect rain.
And he seems well dressed for the possibility. Doesn’t hurt he’s using the Union Jack.
89. Sometimes a sparkly hat is all you need to show national pride.
If Elton John was American, he’d dress like this as part of his stage routine. Well, if it was the 1970s, anyway.
90. This American girl really lets the eagle soar.
After all, she’s wearing an eagle hat to support Team USA. Hope the feathers don’t get in the way.
91. For him, it’s the maple leaf or nothing.
Yes, this guy painted himself to support his Team Canada. And he wears a maple leaf hat to boot.
92. Who knew that Finns wore Viking helmets, too?
Sure Finland isn’t part of Scandinavia. But this guy has nice braids.
93. Seems this guy has a rather royal disposition.
Then again, his orange crown really stands out. And it’s clearly inflated.
94. I have a hunch this guy’s going to Rio this year.
Because he’s wearing a Rio hat from the looks of it. Must be Brazilian.
95. Nice that Japanese fans can be so gracious.
However, these guys are wearing clown wigs and have Japanese flags over their faces. So they’re probably not the most normal people.
96. In the Brazil stands, anything goes.
Well, they seem to be in flashy costumes. One is even dressed as a dinosaur.
97. My, this German sure has big hands.
Well, inflated hands anyway. But he seems like he’s having a great time.
98. Seems like this Russian fan likes to wave his flag.
Not sure why he dresses in a ridiculous outfit. But it sure gives him attention.
99. Apparently, these wizards are siding with Team Germany.
However, they both tend to resemble Gandalf the Grey. Not sure why they chose to wear such hats and beards.
100. Seems like these guys go all out for America.
With one of them dressed as Uncle Sam. And at least two of them holding the flag, no doubt.
The Lone Girl in a Crowd 
These people seem to be having a good time! I’ve noticed that most of the guys who aren’t wearing shirts are they guys who really should be wearing shirts!
Go USA! (I will skip the face paint!)