McKayla Maroney thrilled to relinquish Olympic-meme title to Michael Phelps

Well on Monday, a new challenger to Maroney’s throne emerged. Michael Phelps’ determined face while trying to ignore the elaborate pre-race antics of his South African rival took the internet by storm, with some going so far as to say it topped Maroney’s.

So, how does the Maroney feel about relinquishing her title?

The “Fierce Five” member is definitely impressed with Phelps and more than willing to pass on the Olympic-meme torch.

[Related: As Final Five’s popularity soars, America’s male gymnasts compete in obscurity]

“Somebody tweeted like, ‘McKayla looks like somebody took your spot’ … and I looked at his pictures and was like, ‘YES! Go Michael, take it away please!,’” Maroney told TMZ Wednesday, adding that she “never asked for this life.”

Maroney, who has retired from gymnastics and is now focusing on her music career, also admitted that Phelps’ viral moment has helped her see the humor in her own.

“They’re amazing,” she said. “I now know why people thought it was so funny.”