The Free! meme originates from the popular sports anime series 'Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club,' which debuted in 2013 and quickly became a sensation for its beautiful animation and focus on competitive swimming. The meme culture surrounding the show often highlights the protagonist Haruka Nanase's obsession with water and his deadpan catchphrase, 'I only swim freestyle.' Fans use the template to joke about the characters' dramatic interactions, the series' aesthetic appeal, and the universal feeling of wanting to jump into a pool. Over the years, the meme has evolved beyond the anime community to represent any situation involving intense focus on a single hobby or a liberating sense of freedom.