Capturing great sports photos is challenging, and nailing the timing is even more difficult. A millisecond of hesitation, and you miss it. Yet, when athletes move and strain, they make funny faces and awkward poses. These are classic awkward sports moments.
In this gallery, you’ll find not only a selection of hilarious facial expressions but also some very awkward photos taken at the right moment.
What better way to start this off than an energetic flag girl signaling the start of the race?
This talented gymnast can contort her body in such a way, thanks to her exceptional flexibility.
She was so close to clearing that bar. She failed, and yet we still love to see it.
Is this what the boomers call “whale watching”? It does look fun.
(Record scratch) (freeze frame) Yup, that’s me, and I bet you’re probably wondering how I got myself into this mess…
This would be the shortest boxing match in history. Also, the most deadly one, probably.
When people say someone has a chimp on their shoulder, is this what they mean?
Cut it! Cut the music, DJ! The whales are going bonkers!
Such grace, such balance, and yet there’s a chance she’s a Republican.
After getting wet in the rain, ballerinas need to be hung out to dry.
Now, this is a Spider-Woman movie we are all expecting to see. At least it’s somewhat comic book-accurate.
Here, an ancient form of punishment is depicted. The weakest player is thrown into waters full of sharks.
Spin me like a record, baby, right ’round.
Jinkies! His partner was hit by a random flying hot dog thrown by one of the fans! Now they’ll need to muster their strength and ketchup.
If Kraken had human legs, this is precisely how he’d look. Fascinating!
For some reason, that look she’s giving is the funniest thing in this photo. Change my mind.
At first glance, it appears that the photo is upside down. In reality, it’s just centrifugal force at work.
Was this fight on ESPN at any point? Asking for a friend.
Zero clue what the heck is going on here, but the lady seems to be giggling, so it’s all good, right?
It’s the year 2094. The robots now have their own Olympics, but they still look freaky.
These awkward sports moments remind us that even elite athletes have hilarious and unexpected sides. They make sports fun and relatable.
