British Olympians Laura Trott and Jason Kenny are a true cycling power couple. On Tuesday, Trott and Kenny won gold medals in the women’s omnium and men’s keirin, respectively, bringing their tally to 10 gold medals between the two of them.
But BBC commentator Chris Boardman managed to deflate some of the excitement by asking what seemed like a blatantly sexist question following their victories. “She’s doing all the emotion for both of them really—he’s looking at her wondering what’s for tea!” Boardman said in his commentary.
While some felt Boardman’s comments were taken out of context, others were livid that Olympic commentators can’t seem to keep a lid on the sexist remarks.
Boardman attempted to defend himself with a mostly intelligible tweet, though many were not convinced.
Maybe you can chalk up Boardman’s remark to miscommunication, but the fact remains that Olympics commentators have been surprisingly sexist during the Rio Games. Just last week, another commentator, this time from NBC, made the asinine statement that Hungarian swimmer Katinka Hosszú owed her impressive victory to her husband. And on Monday, Andy Murray received credit for a record that was actually smashed by tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams.
With NBC Universal dominating Olympic coverage in the US, you’d expect the media giant to step up its game if it wants to retain viewership. And out of respect for the incredible athletes competing at the Olympic Games, let’s hope commentators from every network start referring to their skill more often than their gender.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.