The Craziest Pictures of the Olympics

A two-week competition involving pure athleticism that is the modern Olympiad has come a long way since its Zeus-led days in ancient Greece. But it's doubtful the Greek gods ever pictured the modernized flow of today's Games.

Underneath the gravity-defying jumps and sparkling sprints is a collection of frozen moments, each precisely caught with a still lens. These shots force us to appreciate the art beneath the athleticism.

With the 2012 London Games creeping closer to the finish line, now is the time to magnify the beauty of the modern Olympiad.

Enjoy the craziest pictures of the Olympics.

There's nothing like sports photography to truly get the senses tingling.

25. Soaked Savvy

Australia’s Jessica Fox wins a silver medal in the women’s K-1 kayak slalom semifinal in drenched fashion. She's become one with her flooded environment.

24. A Flame's Travels

Marking the halfway point of the 70-day Olympic Torch relay through the United Kingdom, the flame had already passed through villages, across lakes, on horses and over bridges. A historic journey.

23. A Rhythmic Prowess

Gabby Douglas secured two Olympic gold medals and the hearts of fans worldwide. With sheer focus.

22. Absorbing Success

Australian breaststroke swimmer Brenton Rickard breathes in the winning ambiance of London 2012.

21. Airborne Dynamics

Trampoline extraordinaire Steven Gluckstein soars toward greatness as a dim rim of fire lights his path. A heated road to prosperity.

20. Winning Madness

Tearing a page out of the Hulk's book, German discus thrower Robert Harting is seen ferociously tearing his shirt to shreds following his gold medal win. A slobbering victory lap.

19. Pre-Race Traditions

Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake looks to be tempting the fates with this manipulative gesture. Just securing the winds in his favor, perhaps.

18. Eye of the Tiger

One magnified pupil watches out for nearby competition amid a flooded atmosphere.

17. Lay of the Land

Switzerland's Jefferson Bellaguarda lays it all on the line for a magical finish. Rather, a sandy highlight.

16. A Photo Finish

Switzerland's Nicola Spirig just edges Sweden's Lisa Norden in the women’s triathlon final. An artsy approach by the cameraman.

15. The Golden Slam

Point guard Russell Westbrook continues to master the art of slamming a ball in a net. Ferocious.

14. Merging Cycles

Cycling across green pastures, toward immortality. Thousands of eyes watch intently.

13. An Outside View

Violent, chaotic, very reflective of a distracted society. Epic.

12. Dominating the Floor

Still not as elegant as Will Ferrell.

11. Gaining Perspective

Embracing the cycling scene like never before...from beneath the exhausting surface.

10. Marathon Visuals

The women's marathon was a vibrant display of pure athleticism. Catching them in the moment is an art that requires similar senses to capturing a fly...with chopsticks.

9. Larger Than Life

Somali-born, British track legend Mo Farah receives his gold medal for the 10,000-meter race in epic fashion. Always under the microscope.

8. Fooled, Foiled, Fenced

Russia's Inna Deriglazova battling France's Ysaora Thibus in their Women's Foil Individual Fencing round on Day 1 of the Games. Fenced-in madness.

7. Defying the Elements

Explosions in the sky deafening the crowd before the Games.

6. Shark Attack

Like a Great White chasing its blood-drenched prey, Michael Phelps cruises to greatness as the most decorated Olympian of all time.

5. Escaping Unscathed

This ready-to-burst shot of America's Dara Torres seems to rekindle memories of a certain quirky, yet hilarious detective climbing his way out of trouble. Historic stuff.

4. A Crumbling Moment

Great Britain's own Yamile Aldama embraces the competitive nature of the Women's Triple Jump final. Becoming one with the sand.

3. Life at Sea

New Zealand’s Peter Burling and Blair Tuke display faint smiles as they win silver in the 49er sailing class in southern England. Splashing success.

2. The Weight of Art

Tuvaluan weightlifter Tuau Lapua Lapua (that's fun to say) paints the perfect masterpiece as he lifts greatness by the handle.

1. A Rear-View Masterpiece

The most scrutinized female track star on Earth can't possibly avoid the perfectly-timed spotlight. This shot details Lolo Jones' fame.

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