Sports has a way of creating special, iconic moments.
Whether it’s a buzzer beater, a late inning home run, or a hail mary touchdown to win the game, history can change forever in just a matter of seconds.
And when you think of the most memorable moments in sports, what comes to mind first? You’d probably think about Michael Jordan’s jumper to win in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, or Tiger Woods’ chip in during the 2005 Masters.
But only the most cultured sports fans will tell you that the name Pete Weber, a professional bowler, deserves a seat at the table. 12 years ago today, Weber not only bowled a strike when he needed to, he also introduced the world to a saying that undoubtedly matched the moment.
This video won’t only go down in sports history for its importance to culture and society at large. It’ll also go down in meme history, as the clip has gone on to be used as and/or referenced in endless memes.
Regardless of it belongs to the sports world or meme culture, Pete Weber is forever immortalized for his legendary quote following his strike, most notably the very last line:
“Yes! That is right, I did it. Are you kidding me? That’s right. Who do you think you are? I AM!”
9 years ago today, we were graced with the greatest moment in sports history. "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, I AM" @StevenWTRF pic.twitter.com/IEgEpeEPw2
— John Lynch (@JohnArdenLynch) February 26, 2021
Literal chills…and it doesn’t even matter that I’ve seen that video probably 100 times.
Everyone on social media is celebrating and reliving the moment from 12 years ago, and call it emotional bias or recency bias, but everyone online is on the same page about the magical moment Pete Weber bowled into our lives:
One of the most legendary clips in Sports History
— Ben (@HowUBenFeller) February 26, 2024
The cut to the lady crying is chef’s kiss.
I wonder if the cameramen knew they were recording history.
— NotTheFakeEli (@FilaEli) February 26, 2024
Still don’t even know what this means but it’s gold
— Chris ⚔️ #TitanUp (@Chris2Crossed) February 26, 2024
The original “I’m him”.
— DatBoi Ivan (@iMonster10) February 26, 2024
A perfect quote that yes, sounds insane when you hear it, but you get what he's saying https://t.co/seePtcE1TV
— Mr. Chau (@Srirachachau) February 26, 2024
And guess what? When Weber retired from professional bowling in 2o21, he let the mic drop with another cold as ice quote that will likely stand the test of time as well:
“Hate me or love me. You watched. That’s all you could do.”
Pete Weber has bowled his final frame on the PBA National Tour. pic.twitter.com/a6KYfYzsKB
— FloBowling (@FloBowling) March 17, 2021
