The #PhelpsFace meme originated during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, specifically during the 200-meter butterfly semifinals. Cameras captured American swimmer Michael Phelps sitting in the ready room, wearing a hoodie and headphones, casting a legendary 'death stare' at rival Chad le Clos, who was shadowboxing directly in front of him. The image instantly went viral on social media, with users interpreting Phelps' intense expression as the universal face of pure, concentrated anger or extreme focus in the face of annoyance. It has since become a staple reaction image for expressing petty frustration, pre-competition intensity, or simply being 'done' with someone's antics.