Kerri Strug and Chris Kattan as Twins on “Weekend Update”

In 1996, Atlanta witnessed one of the most iconic moments in Olympics history when gymnast Kerri Strug helped Team U.S.A. secure the gold medal. This unforgettable triumph later saw Strug making an appearance on another American institution, **Saturday Night Live**.

During *SNL*’s Season 22 premiere on September 28, 1996, Strug brought her Olympic fame to the comedy stage, turning “Weekend Update” into a memorable segment. She appeared alongside her fictional brother, Kippy Strug, portrayed by then-cast member Chris Kattan.

“For many of us who watched, the greatest moment of the Summer Olympics was the winning of the gold medal by the Women’s Gymnastic Team. Here with me now are Kerri Strug and her brother Kippy,” said “Weekend Update” anchor Norm MacDonald. He introduced Strug and Kattan, both dressed in matching Team U.S.A. jackets with short blonde hairdos, emulating the gymnast’s look.

Norm MacDonald began by asking Kerri about her thoughts during her crucial second vault, the moment she famously continued competing despite an injured ankle. “Well, I was really nervous,” she admitted. “But at the same time, I knew that I had to stay focused, and I knew that if I stayed focused, we might have a good chance of winning.”

MacDonald then shifted his attention to Kippy, inquiring what was going through his mind as he watched his sister compete. Kattan, in a high-pitched voice to match his onscreen sister’s, expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness. “Well, first, I was really excited! But, then she hurt her ankle, and I got really nervous, on top of being excited. But I was just hoping she could keep her focus, so I said a little prayer!”

Touched by her brother’s support, Strug responded warmly.

The fun didn’t stop there. As Strug explained she was about to start school and facing many opportunities, their interview was interrupted by another *SNL* Season 22 cast member, Mark McKinney. Playing Strug’s intense coach, Béla Károlyi, McKinney barged in, emphasizing it was time for their next interview. He then picked up Strug, recreating that iconic Olympic moment when Károlyi carried her off after her injury.

Not to be left behind, Kattan, as Kippy, realized his foot had fallen asleep, making it hard for him to walk. McKinney’s Károlyi encouraged him fiercely, “Come, Kippy! Come on, you can do it. Kippy, listen to me, you can do it! Shake it off, Kippy!”

With Strug’s encouragement to “shake it off,” Kattan’s Kippy found the strength to persevere. It was a humorous yet touching moment that mirrored the motivational spirit of the Olympics.

This delightful *SNL* segment showcased not just the humorous talents of Strug and Kattan but also celebrated the resilience and determination that makes Olympic stories so compelling. The interplay between the characters, even when fictionalized, captured the essence of support and perseverance in the face of challenges.

As Kerri Strug’s impressive moment continues to inspire, memories like her *SNL* appearance remind fans of the joy and unity sports bring into our lives. The Olympics, after all, are not merely about competition but also about the stories and connections that resonate far beyond the arenas and fields.

Source: NBC, Saturday Night Live