Twitter can’t handle the Olympian who skated to “Game of Thrones” music — or Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski’s commentary about his routine
One of the major talking points of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PeyongChang is the music. Specifically, the tunes used in Olympic figure skating routines. After the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, the International Skating Union decided that figure skaters could use songs that have actual words in them. That means that instead of the usual barrage of classical music, we’ve gotten Beyoncé and Coldplay. But one skater found a way to make instrumental music exciting again. German figure skater Paul Fentz’s music selection is excellent. On Thursday, February 15th, Fentz skated to a swing jazz cover of “Wonderwall.” Then, on Saturday, February 17th, he outdid himself and performed his free skate to the iconic Game of Thrones opening melody.
Fentz went all in on the Game of Thrones theme. He donned a knight-like costume complete with a red sleeve. The sleeve alluded to Jaime Lannister’s hand, which was sliced off in Season 3. Meanwhile, commentators Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski really dug into their show references. “It was not his best, but a Lannister always pays his debts,” Lipinski said when Fentz’s routine was over. Weir jabbed back, calling Lipinski “Cersei” because of her harsh critique. Hey, at least Fentz gets points for style.
Though Paul Fentz ultimately didn’t medal in PyeongChang, he’s still a winner in the hearts of viewers.
A Lannister always pays his debts. #WinterOlympics https://t.co/fmMl0C4Amf pic.twitter.com/SHmdiMjlcU
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 17, 2018
The tweets about his Game of Thrones-themed performance poured in.
This German figure skater is doing his routine to a Game of Thrones soundtrack. The commentators are making Game of Thrones references. And I am here for it.
— Dwight Burnham (@DwightBurnham) February 17, 2018
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I am always in favor of Game if Thrones at all times, but during a figure skating routine? So. Into. It.
— Jessica Estepa (@jmestepa) February 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/964912412997668864
Game of Thrones itself even acknowledged Fentz’s routine.
Raise your banners for House Lannister. #PyeongChang2018 https://t.co/H6U9GEdlZC
— Game of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) February 17, 2018
There’s something to be said for skaters who are memorable, even if they don’t end up winning.
Another fan favorite, Adam Rippon from Team USA, also failed to receive a men’s singles medal. But he ended up making an impact anyway, taking losses in stride and overall being the most fun skater to watch this Olympics. He even says so himself! “I might not be the best, but I’m the most fun. I’m going to skate my heart out,” Rippon told NBC.
"I might not be the best, but I'm the most fun. I'm going to skate my heart out."
Oh @adaripp, you slay us. 😂 He skates next on @NBC! #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/3vhUUmVAzb
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 16, 2018
Cheers to the skaters who are willing to be fun and weird. The Olympics are important and require immense hard work — but they’re just games, after all.
