Michael Phelps immediately knew his mean mug would become a meme

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:13 p.m. ET

Brett Smiley

While listening to Future's "Stick Talk" before the 200-meter butterfly semifinals at the Rio Games, Michael Phelps' face showed rage and determination as South Africa's Chad le Clos bobbed and danced in front of him. The highly decorated swimmer recalled the scene on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Thursday, saying that he realized the cameras positioned in the "ready room" were on him and that he just knew the expression would become a thing.

"Yep, that's on camera," Phelps said he thought. "Someone will pick that up tomorrow."

He was right. And those cutouts should get mass-produced, by the way. Fatheads have been made for lesser athletes and moments.