At the Games, a Whole Lot of Hugs

Emotions at the Olympics run from the highest highs to lowest lows, as seen in these photos of athletes celebrating, consoling and supporting each other in the most human of ways — the hug. Throughout the Olympics there have been thousands of them. Here are 26 of our favorites.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Ashton Eaton gets a hug from his mother, Roslyn Eaton, as his fiancée, Brianne Theisen, looks on, after winning the gold at the decathlon.

Luke Macgregor/Reuters

Russell Westbrook gets a hug from Michelle Obama at the men’s preliminary round basketball game between the United States and France.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Prince William embraces Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, after Britain won the gold in the men’s team track cycling.

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Gabrielle Douglas hugs her coach Liang Chow at the gymnastics women’s individual all-around final, where she won the gold.