or humans, the urge to cry is instinctual. It happens at birth—though babies don’t yet have the capacity to produce tears at that early age—and often during milestone events, like weddings, birthdays, funerals, and even while watching the Olympic Games. Why are we so often moved to tears during the Games? Experts theorize that crying—even outside of the context of the Olympics—happens due to feelings of helplessness, overwhelment, or awe, all of which reverberate through the body as onlookers watch the world’s top athletes race against one another.
But the quadrennial event is also vastly more unique, and perhaps somehow more uncomplicated, than any other highly-watched showdown. “For a moment, I can just be proud that this person who is draped in the flag that I share, has done something meaningful,” says Benjamin Perry, author of . “It's one of the things that I think the Olympics in particular offer that has been very core to both the history of the Games themselves, but also why we find ourselves watching back.
” Here’s what experts say about why people cry when watching the Olympics. Humans don’t only feel bonded to the people they personally know and love. They can also feel attached to sports teams, countries, identity groups, or popular athletes.
It’s the reason why entire countries rally behind international soccer star Lionel Messi or gymnast Simone Biles. “[Crying] is a signal to others that we're all in this together,” says Randolph Co.