Professional athletes put both their minds and bodies under immense pressure to become the best. It takes enormous passion, skill, and hard work to achieve what they have set out to achieve, and with that comes unforgettable memories.
Some of these memories are captured at the exact right moment, leaving a telling tale of what had just happened or what was yet to come. Browsing through the archives, we found some particularly titillating shots that will be sure to make you chuckle. Alternatively, some photographs will leave you in awe, pictures that have captured events you would never see with the naked eye because they happened too quickly.
All in all, the below snaps will keep you entertained for a while. Almost as if you were physically at that specific event. So continue scrolling to view the most outrageous and epic sports photos of all time!
Some of these memories are captured at the exact right moment, leaving a telling tale of what had just happened or what was yet to come. Browsing through the archives, we found some particularly titillating shots that will be sure to make you chuckle. Alternatively, some photographs will leave you in awe, pictures that have captured events you would never see with the naked eye because they happened too quickly.
All in all, the below snaps will keep you entertained for a while. Almost as if you were physically at that specific event. So continue scrolling to view the most outrageous and epic sports photos of all time!
That’s Got to Hurt!
You would think that scoring points in a basketball game would be a joyous occasion, right? Well, not for this NBA player who didn’t manage to time his slam dunk correctly. What was timed to perfection, however, was this photograph.
In the end, it was actually the photographer that scored with this epic snap. While this player is still hanging onto the hoop, the ball drops straight onto his face with an incredible amount of force, showing us for a split second what it looks like when something comes into contact with our bodies at high speed.
The Power of Sport
Sport is all about rivalry; everyone wants to be the best, that's what drives them. But it also brings people together. Professional athletes travel the globe, meeting other players from all walks of life. Travel changes you, it opens your eyes to different ways of doing things, you learn about different cultures and traditions. This photo captures exactly that.
On one side, there is a team that doesn't mind wearing revealing clothing and physical contact, while the other team chooses to cover up due to religious views. Regardless of their beliefs and attire, both teams worked hard to get there, and they wanted to win!
Elegance, Grace, and Beauty
This photographer almost did as good a job as the gymnast in this well-timed picture. The perfect symmetry of her body in this pose is astonishing. Her form looks effortless, which is the whole point of this sport—carrying out these abnormal movements without fault.
It is unbelievable how she contorts her body in mid-air and still manages to execute a flawless landing in mere seconds, not to mention the flexibility and strength behind each step.
It is unbelievable how she contorts her body in mid-air and still manages to execute a flawless landing in mere seconds, not to mention the flexibility and strength behind each step.
One thing’s for sure; this photographer had a great day and was able to capture this memorable event at the perfect moment.
Defying Gravity
This Pro skating pair sure gave their audience their money's worth with this fantastic performance!
The photograph was taken at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia. Stefania Berton and Ondrej Hotarek from Italy blew everyone away with their routine, which is captured here in one epic snap.
The duo seemed to defy gravity, with Ondrej throwing Stefania up in the air like she was as light as a feather.
The photograph was taken at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia. Stefania Berton and Ondrej Hotarek from Italy blew everyone away with their routine, which is captured here in one epic snap.
The duo seemed to defy gravity, with Ondrej throwing Stefania up in the air like she was as light as a feather.
While Stefania’s face looks a bit out of sorts, her body screams precision. Unfortunately, while their performance was outstanding, they would go on to place 11th in their division.
This Seems Impossible
Lifting your leg up high is one thing, but getting it into this position while on ice is another. Just look at her leg! Is this even possible? How is it possible to get your leg so straight, right up against your body while balancing on the unforgiving ice?
Tam Zamanında Cekilmişl is a young figure skater in the prime of her career.
Tam Zamanında Cekilmişl is a young figure skater in the prime of her career.
Many photographers have captured her attention to detail and flawless routines, but this moment is by far the most spectacular. It shows what is possible when you put everything you have into achieving your dreams.
Ouch!
Being a professional football player seems like a dream job, and it does have its perks. However, it comes with disadvantages as well. In any contact sport, you can expect to get injured in some way or another. Usually, this happens when colliding with another player or pulling a muscle.
But for this footballer, it came in the form of a ball to the face. When you look at this photo, you can't help but laugh.
But for this footballer, it came in the form of a ball to the face. When you look at this photo, you can't help but laugh.
Although this must have been excruciatingly painful, his expression is priceless. You can tell that there was a tremendous amount of force behind that ball from the indentation on his face.
Watch Out!
You can't help but cringe when looking at this photo. You just want to shout: WATCH OUT! But, unfortunately, we will never know what happened in the aftermath of this snap because it was a selfie, and presumably, this poor woman was knocked out.
If only she knew she was taking a perfectly timed picture of her demise. The ball was too quick for her to notice it hurdling into the camera's frame, and she had no time to duck.
If only she knew she was taking a perfectly timed picture of her demise. The ball was too quick for her to notice it hurdling into the camera's frame, and she had no time to duck.
The timing is absolutely incredible, though. It sure is one crazy memory to tell your children one day, and you have the photo to prove it!
Something’s Gone Wrong!
There's a saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words," and this is indeed the case with the next photo. This gymnast has a look on her face of total despair and fear. You can clearly tell that everything was not going according to plan, and one could only expect a botched landing.
You can tell she is throwing her arms out to prepare for impact.
The picture was taken milliseconds before she hit the matt; the timing is impeccable.
You can tell she is throwing her arms out to prepare for impact.
The picture was taken milliseconds before she hit the matt; the timing is impeccable.
Luckily, the only thing that was injured was her ego, but mistakes like this happen all the time. However, not many of them are captured like this one.
Shaken to the Core
Professional boxing is no laughing matter. These men are literally paid to get beaten up! As you can imagine, boxers sustain some hard blows, and this can severely impact their health. But in the end, it's their bodies and their choice, and it makes for some great entertainment.
A photographer managed to capture the brutality of one such blow in this perfectly timed slow-motion shot.
A photographer managed to capture the brutality of one such blow in this perfectly timed slow-motion shot.
You see the pain in this photo as the force of the punch cascades across his head. He certainly needed some strong painkillers after that round!
Maybe It’s a Football Version of the Haka?
The timing of the next photo is priceless. You often see players from various teams over different sporting platforms performing victory dances. But if you haven’t already noticed, take a closer look; these two players are from opposing teams.
This is not a well-choreographed dance at all. It was just a photographer taking a picture in the right spot at the right time.
This is not a well-choreographed dance at all. It was just a photographer taking a picture in the right spot at the right time.
They both seem to be blocking each other from the ball, mirrored in the exact same pose. The photographer must have been delighted with the result.
Not the Jaw!
Baseball seems like a pretty safe sport. There's not much physical contact, and all the players have to do is hit a ball and run, right? Wrong; for those of you who aren't aware, those pro pitchers throw baseballs at impeccable speeds.
This is proven in the above photo capturing the impact of one of these fast flyers.
This is proven in the above photo capturing the impact of one of these fast flyers.
The photographer caught it at the exact moment the ball made contact with the batter's jaw, shifting it to the right. The impact was so hard; we wouldn’t be surprised if the batter landed up with a broken jaw.
When Disaster Strikes
Figure skating is full of delicate sequences designed to look elegant and beautiful, but what happens when something goes wrong? You can sustain serious injuries from this dainty sport. One wrong move, and it's all over.
The picture above was taken at the exact moment all hell broke loose. When you choose your figure skating partner, the most important connection to have is trust.
The picture above was taken at the exact moment all hell broke loose. When you choose your figure skating partner, the most important connection to have is trust.
Although it wasn't deliberate, trust was broken here when a lift resulted in a tumble, causing the skater to land at a painful angle.
The Face Behind Shot Put
To be the best at shot put, you need to be abnormally strong. Throwing a 16-pound metal ball is no easy task. This is proven in the below photo. There is no denying the drive behind his face. This competitor is pushing his body to unthinkable heights to come out on top.
The photo was captured at the ideal moment; you can see the ball rolling off his fingers and how loose his grip actually is.
The photo was captured at the ideal moment; you can see the ball rolling off his fingers and how loose his grip actually is.
The strength behind the toss comes from the rest of the body, clearly including the face as well.
Soaring for Glory
When you are a professional athlete, you will do almost anything to see your team to victory. Unfortunately, pros often sustain injuries from making hasty decisions. The proof is in the pudding, and below you will see an example of one of these moments.
This picture was caught just in the nick of time and shows a player jumping over one of their opponents to score some points.
This picture was caught just in the nick of time and shows a player jumping over one of their opponents to score some points.
While he did make the hoop, his trip down was not pleasant. But, of course, his poor opponent saw everything as it was about to happen and landed up being the cushion for his fall.
Hopefully, Nobody Bet on This Horse
Many people have fond memories of the racetrack; all the excitement in the air coupled with betting on your favorite horse is enough to make anyone feel elated. But that warm, fuzzy feeling can be undone in the blink of an eye if the horse you chose doesn't make it past the finish line.
A photographer caught the exact moment this horse tripped, and in the process of its descent, throws the jockey over the boundary wall.
A photographer caught the exact moment this horse tripped, and in the process of its descent, throws the jockey over the boundary wall.
We sure hope that both the horse and jockey made it out unscathed.
The Stuff Nightmares Are Made of
What a terrifying image! Everyone that has ever seen Jaws is probably shaking in their boots at the site of this photograph. This brave surfer decided to challenge these huge waves, but a photographer captured an incredible shot while performing his set.
Hiding behind the huge swell was a massive shark headed straight for the falling surfer.
Hiding behind the huge swell was a massive shark headed straight for the falling surfer.
It is such a perfect picture, it seems to have been photo-shopped, but this situation actually happened. Luckily, the surfer was not harmed and made it back to shore in one piece.
The Perfect Action Shot
Serna Williams is the poster child for woman's tennis. Her skill and finesse are known worldwide. No doubt she has had many action shots in her library, but this one takes the cake. It highlights not only her physical strength but also her determination to be the best at all times.
Never one to miss a shot, Serena lunges for this almost unattainable ball.
Never one to miss a shot, Serena lunges for this almost unattainable ball.
The photographer did a great job and probably received a large sum of cash for this perfect frame. Let's just hope her landing was just as flawless.
Right in the Ribs!
Pro fighting is not for the light-hearted, and this photo captures precisely why. Just look at the dent his foot made with that back kick! You can see his skin and muscles pushed back to the point that it is distorting his tattoo.
This moment could not have been fun at all. However, the photographer seemed to be having a great day at work when he captured this beauty.
This moment could not have been fun at all. However, the photographer seemed to be having a great day at work when he captured this beauty.
It sure does pay off to be in the right place at the right time, as this shot proves.
There Are Just No Words
Anyone who looks at this photograph can immediately feel this footballer's pain, and if you don't, just look at the expression on his face. What was meant to be a sneaky steal resulted in a penalty for the opposing player.
After this ordeal, we genuinely hope that this footballer can still have children, but by the looks of it, that seems really unlikely.
After this ordeal, we genuinely hope that this footballer can still have children, but by the looks of it, that seems really unlikely.
However, if one good thing came out of this, it's that the photographer got his winning shot for the day.
You Have a Little Something on Your Face
Being a pro basketball player can leave you in some compromising positions. Defending the goal is challenging work. Little did this pro athlete know that he would get a finger up the nose once he jumped for that hoop.
In this perfectly-timed snap, you can see the look of horror on his face; he doesn't even have his eyes on the prize. This cannot be a comfortable position to be in.
In this perfectly-timed snap, you can see the look of horror on his face; he doesn't even have his eyes on the prize. This cannot be a comfortable position to be in.
Luckily, this was not an illegal tackle, and no one was hurt, just seriously embarrassed. Does anybody have a Kleenex?
Don't Just Stand There! Duck!
It seems like many Pro athletes need to dodge a ball or two to the face during their careers. This photographer's lucky day was when Irish tennis player Louk Sorensen barely missed a flying ball hurdling straight for his face.
He managed to capture the immense fear in Louk's eyes right before he made the snap decision to swoop out of the way.
He managed to capture the immense fear in Louk's eyes right before he made the snap decision to swoop out of the way.
It looks as if he's seen a ghost, and it started coming towards him. I hope my reflexes are this good if anything ever flies towards my face.
Bet He's Kicking Himself for Missing This Catch
Every pro baseball player has missed a catch or two in their career. But, this is one catch you did not want to let slip through your mitt. Although perfectly-timed, it's not a pretty picture. The nose is one of the most sensitive parts of the human body and is not very susceptible to pain.
We can only imagine the agony this poor player went through at this very moment.
We can only imagine the agony this poor player went through at this very moment.
No doubt there was a severe nose bleed or possibly even a broken nose. The speeds at which these balls are pitched are out of this world and can cause some severe damage.
The Perfect Touchdown
This is one for the books. Each team uses many strategic plays that help them score a touchdown if implemented correctly; it also helps if the opposition's defenses are weak. However, there was no strategic play in place during this moment.
The player merely saw an opportunity and let nothing stop him. He flew into the air to dodge the inevitable tackle that was heading his way with profound precision.
The player merely saw an opportunity and let nothing stop him. He flew into the air to dodge the inevitable tackle that was heading his way with profound precision.
Once back on the ground, the coast was clear, and he continued on to score a touchdown. His team was delighted, and the crowd went wild. It was truly a fantastic moment, and thanks to one lucky photographer, it was caught on camera.
25. I Think You Forgot Something
Fans were left entertained after Etenesh Diro, from Ethiopia, took part in the 3000 meters at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, and with 800 meters to go, lost one of her shoes. However, even with one shoe down, she managed to finish the race in seventh place.
The loss of her shoe resulted from a collision with another runner. But even though she felt defeated, she never gave up and pushed through till the end.
The loss of her shoe resulted from a collision with another runner. But even though she felt defeated, she never gave up and pushed through till the end.
Diro later filed an appeal, which was approved, and she went through to the next round.
At Least He Got a Killer Souvenir
Die-hard fans dream of taking home a stray ball or bat from a game, but this unsuspecting fan definitely got more than he bargained for. Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. When you look at the faces of the people surrounding him, you can see that the bat was traveling at a high speed.
The impact must have been extremely painful, and this poor fan was probably left with a massive bruise. But there is always a silver lining, and in this case, it's the fact that this fan now has a pro player's baseball bat along with a great story to tell the grandkids.
This Has Got to Be Fake, Right?
There is no way that this picture is accurate; it is just not possible. Well, it is real and was performed by a famous Australian stuntman, Robbie Madison. We have no idea how he did it, but he did, and a photographer captured the proof in this magnificent shot.
Robbie is a real daredevil, and his career has taken him all over the world.
Robbie is a real daredevil, and his career has taken him all over the world.
This stunt took two years to perfect, but I'm sure Robbie found it all worth it when gliding across the water on his bike. The epic photo truly captures the sheer enormity of this event and the brilliant execution of the stunt.
A Terrifying Moment
Simona Halep is a Romanian Pro tennis player who has put in a lot of time and hard work into being the best. Her training has prepared her for most of the obstacles in her path. But what do you do when something unexpected happens?
Well, judging from Simona's face, you scream and pray for the best.
Well, judging from Simona's face, you scream and pray for the best.
Unfortunately, there isn't much time to think once you realize that the ball is headed straight for you, and the photographer managed to capture this moment perfectly. The ball did make contact with her face, and she felt dizzy for a while but soon managed to get back onto her feet.
If You Mess With the Bull, You Get the Horns
Bullfighters are brave men. This profession is not for the weak. Getting injured is basically a given, and the courageous cowboys prepare for that every time they cross paths with these muscular beasts. However, they receive rigorous training, and most of them thrive on adrenaline.
During his performance, this bullfighter was launched into the air by an angry bull. If you look closely at the image, it almost seems like he is smiling while waving to the crowd.
During his performance, this bullfighter was launched into the air by an angry bull. If you look closely at the image, it almost seems like he is smiling while waving to the crowd.
. I can guarantee you that is was not the case. His eyes are closed wide shut, bracing for another impact.
Never Stick Your Fingers Where They Don't Belong
Capturing an action shot is not easy, and many sports photographers spend their whole careers trying to get that perfect shot. This photographer struck gold when taking pictures at a Pro wrestling match.
The Canadian competitor seems to be dragging his opponent by the mouth, which is bleeding profusely. Is there a ref anywhere nearby?
The Canadian competitor seems to be dragging his opponent by the mouth, which is bleeding profusely. Is there a ref anywhere nearby?
If I had a man's hand in my mouth, I'd bite down as hard as I could to get him to release his grip. Not sure what the rules are here, but it's better than a broken jaw.
Maybe It's a Handstand Gone Wrong?
We're not too sure what exactly is happening in this photo. There is no credible reason why the catcher should ever be in this position. It seems like he dove for the ball, but maybe he jumped too high and somehow managed to turn his whole body upside down.
What is incredible, though, is this photograph. It captures the exact moment the catcher's head hits the ground, making it seem as though he has sustained a severe neck injury from the impact.
What is incredible, though, is this photograph. It captures the exact moment the catcher's head hits the ground, making it seem as though he has sustained a severe neck injury from the impact.
One thing's for sure; he will definitely think twice before attempting that catch again.
Like a Fish Out of Water
This is truly an impeccable shot. The photographer did a fantastic job choosing the precise moment to snap this pic. The water is still cocooned around the swimmer; just a split second later, and he would have broken through the thin layer.
The flawlessness of this photograph gives off a calming effect.
The flawlessness of this photograph gives off a calming effect.
There's just something about the perfectly encased swimmer that makes you feel at ease. The accuracy of this shot is amendable, and we're sure the photographer is elated with the results.
Planking Mid-Air
We knew Dennis Rodman was good, but this is just showing off. It's impressive what photographers can capture at the right moment. Denis Rodman is the ultimate defender, and he was known for several signature moves, this being one of them.
It's fascinating that a big man like this can launch himself so effortlessly into the air and look so good doing it too!
It's fascinating that a big man like this can launch himself so effortlessly into the air and look so good doing it too!
Rodman, now retired, had an exciting career and played for teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, and Los Angeles Lakers.
You Shall Not Pass!
This tennis player comes across as pretty intimidating. Just look at the expression on her face. She is determined to hit that ball and by no means is it getting past her without a fight! I am glad that I am not the one standing across from her.
I bet she saw this photo and thought, wow! I'm pretty scary.
I bet she saw this photo and thought, wow! I'm pretty scary.
But all jokes aside, getting to pro status is a long and bumpy road, and we can understand why she is so serious about winning. Nevertheless, this is still a highly intimidating shot.
Are Those Your Legs?
A quick glance at this picture, and you would swear that this synchronized swimmer has the longest torso ever! But once you have had some time to properly study the photo, you realize that there are two people in the frame.
This photo was so perfectly timed; it makes them look like one person. But the illusion is shattered once you take a harder look.
This photo was so perfectly timed; it makes them look like one person. But the illusion is shattered once you take a harder look.
Nonetheless, it seems like these ladies had an absolute blast and now have a fantastic memory to cherish.
The Headless Gymnast
Gymnasts can do unbelievable things with their bodies. Things you thought were impossible, but have you ever seen a gymnast with no head? In the below picture, it would seem as if the contestant replaced her head with a big red ball.
Obviously, this is all just an illusion brought on by some quick photography.
Obviously, this is all just an illusion brought on by some quick photography.
Her head is actually bent all the way back as she is sliding the ball above her shoulders. You would think this pose is painful, but this competitor makes it look like a walk in the park.
Don't Stick the Landing
When you watch figure skating, you are mesmerized by the effortless routine, usually carried out to perfection. But even when watching the most seasoned skaters, you can't help but wince when they come in for a landing.
And when they nail it, it is the best feeling in the world. However, there are times when a landing can go horribly wrong, and many skaters have fallen victims to some horrendous injuries.
And when they nail it, it is the best feeling in the world. However, there are times when a landing can go horribly wrong, and many skaters have fallen victims to some horrendous injuries.
This young lady built up so much speed to prepare for her signature move that she was thrust straight through the boundary wall when it went wrong.
Not the Best Position to Be in
You can't help but laugh when looking at this photo. It must have been embarrassing for the batsman, but what a shot for the photographer! We don't know much about what transpired in this shot, but it looks like the batter tripped while starting to run and fell face-first into the bowler.
The photographer couldn't have chosen a better moment to take this snap, and it sure paid off. While he is smiling all the way to the bank, this poor cricketer is left with a memory he would much rather forget.
Going for Gold
Isn't it just amazing how professional athletes can contort their bodies? It just doesn't seem natural. How do they bend that way? Below is a snap taken at the exact time this contestant hurled herself over the poll without a glitch.
You can see the sheer determination on her face. She is using every muscle she has to keep her back arched and make it over unscathed.
You can see the sheer determination on her face. She is using every muscle she has to keep her back arched and make it over unscathed.
Her hard work and unapologetic training paid off, as the pole was still in place once she dismounted.
That's Just Bad Luck
Everyone tends to have a period of bad luck from time to time; maybe it's just the world's way of bringing us back down to earth. For this poor Pro-baller, his day had come. Unfortunately, it was during a big game, and fate was not kind.
He swung with all his might, which resulted in a broken bat.
But that was the least of his worries.
He swung with all his might, which resulted in a broken bat.
But that was the least of his worries.
Not only did his bat snap clean in half, but the heaviest half also smacked him right in the face! What are the odds?