AllTop Viral!

When prowling photographers are capturing an athlete’s every expression, it’s not always easy to radiate grace

While we can forgive an athlete who’s, say, lifting more than 150 pounds over her head, like North Korea’s Jong Sim Rim here, for not always looking particularly poised, that doesn’t mean we can resist smiling at her unintentionally goofball expression. Caught on camera by omnipresent photographers, these 10 contorted faces are both testaments to Olympians’ endurance — and kinda funny.

Rein it in

Australian high-diver Matthew Mitcham curls his body into a tight ball but lets his jaw hang slack, somewhat Eeyore-ishly, during a practice dive July 25.

Be the ball

Matiss Burgis of Latvia savors every move in his men’s singles, second-round table tennis match against Alexey Smirnov of Russia July 29.

Wait for it

Japan’s Kenichi Tago watches the birdie like a slightly maniacal hawk during the men’s singles group C badminton match July 30.

View slideshow at The Week.

All the top stories from The Week.