All athletes have something in common, whether they’re playing pickup basketball at a local park, or going for the gold at the Olympics. Identical body language.

From the showing dismay, by holding their head in their hands, to the signal of victory: A fist pump, or arms raised above their head.

Experts say these types of gestures are universally understood because they aren’t learned. They’re ingrained in all of us. They’re rooted in the portion of our brain where basic emotions come from.

Researchers from the University of British Columbia found proof: The reactions of blind and sighted competitors in the Olympics and Paralympics are identical, even though the blind athletes have never seen anyone make those gestures.

In fact, the same moves can be found throughout history, from the victory dances of the Plains Indians, to apes in the wild that throw their arms in the air after defeating a rival.

Just something to think about when you watch someone celebrate the thrill of victory, or experience the agony of defeat at this summer’s Olympics.