These pandas will win gold (and your heart) in the cuteness Olympics

We’re going into the final weekend of the Olympics, and I have been loving so much of this year’s winter games. Snowboarding is exhilarating. Speed skating is hypnotic. And curling is just made of awesome. But one of my favorite things about the 2022 Beijing event has been the adorably rotund cartoon panda that serves as the mascot. Pandas don’t seem like animals to accomplish great athletic feats, but my cuteness research has revealed an entire complex of Olympic-caliber activities performed by these critters. Check out these gold medal-worthy events.

The Tree Climb

Ouch, didn’t quite stick the landing on that routine.

Distance Somersaulting

This talented athlete also competes in the Vault Somersault. A true champion.

The Self-Luge

Who needs a sled when you’re covered in fur?

Ballroom Dancing – The Interspecies Two-Step

The more unwilling the human partner, the better your chances at hitting the podium.

The Ball Grab

How long can you hang onto the ball without losing your grip, falling over, or getting distracted by those pesky human scientists? This panda makes the juggling act look easy.

Competitive Bamboo-Guzzling

You get extra style points for loud crunching.