Lace up your simulators and waggle your joystick for gold, from Mario racing Sonic in the 200m freestyle or pole vaulting on a PlayStation Over the past three weeks the Paris Olympics have provided some spectacular sporting moments, from incredible victories to heartbreaking defeats to Snoop Dogg standing about in full equestrian regalia. For most of us, such sporting brilliance is way beyond reach – unless, that is, you have access to video games. Although there was no official tie-in this year, there have been many well-loved Olympic-inspired games over the past four decades. If you have an old Commodore 64, PlayStation or Wii, or a suitable emulator on your PC, here’s how you can relive this summer’s immortal sporting memories in the safety of your own home. Continue reading...

Lesser known sports stars are showing off Olympic Village life and captivating people with their ‘joyful relatability’ Olympic hauls were once the preserve of triumphant athletes showing off their medals, but now every Olympian is getting in on the act by posting videos of themselves unboxing their sponsored kit. Haul videos – a social media staple in which someone usually shows off their recent purchases – have been popping up online with athletes who are preparing to take to track and field, pitches and courts taking to TikTok instead. Continue reading...