Not everyone is capable of breaking a world record, especially not under the waves. Maarten van der Weijden of the netherland is one of them.
Besides this being a beautiful photograph, there is also a beautiful story behind it. This is what hands look like after swimming for thirty-one hours and seven minutes. A world record has been broken.
The speed of light
Indoor cycling doesn't get as much attention as the known outdoor cycling, like the Tour de France tournament watched and followed by millions worldwide. A few facts about this sports event:
These bikes don't have breaks (apparently, it is safer.) In comparison to road bikes, they are heavier, making them stick to the tracks. Last but not least, the cyclists ride so fast, faster than the speed of light, making it impossible for the commentator to know who has taken over or has won the race.
No Pain No Gain
Lifting weights is a dangerous sport. If it's not done correctly, you can cause serious injury that might leave its mark for life. It is crystal clear that this guy is in agony; however, one thing still makes us question the incident.
What exactly happened there that made his arm twist like an exaggeration of the queen doing her royal wave?
Brainy Thighs
If you thought the brain's center of the human body was within the boundaries of your skull, you are in for a shocking surprise. You won't believe this, but apparently, the central organ of the human body is comfortably set in no other than the human calf.
So, next time you say something not very bright, or if you forget where you have placed something and someone remarks - "have you lost your mind?" you can confidently answer- no. I haven't. It s where it's always been, on my calf.
Confused Are We?
Every little boy wants to be a Judoka. A single-man kind of sports, where you don't depend on an entire team, and you have only yourself to rely on. If you win, you take all the glory and if you lose, you carry alone all the shame.
You can feel the pride and joy of this judoka, almost confusing the gymnastics hall to the judo competition one. Nothing beats a good judo competition with a back summersault for the grand finale.
Not All Legs Are Meant for Walking
There is nothing like a fit body, with long strong muscles. In this image, you can clearly see the amazing physics of this lady, and we are sure that many years of exercise and a good diet were invested here.
The investment must have been worth it, as by holding this position, she will save on buying a coffee table, bookshelf, an extreme something for the kids to play on, and shoes.
Sweet Potatoes
Athletes all over the world work really hard and treat their bodies as sacred. They must feed and nourish their temple so it does not betray them when they rely on it the most.
But sticking a gigantic routed sweet potato up your thigh is not really considered nourishing, now is it?
A Cup For You and a Cup For Me
Cupping therapy is an ancient alternative medicine, very popular amongst athletes. It helps to ease pain, muscle inflammation, blood issues, and relaxation. What an amazing body we have. A few glasses stuck on the back, and the pain is gone.
Very often we see swimmers appear for a competition with a decoration of cupping therapy marks all over their bodies, making it much easier for the sports broadcaster to recognize the right swimmer in the right lane. Funny enough, we thought those circles were another invention, to make swimmers swim faster.
Take it Easy
Injuries are the dark side of competitive sports. Some things are beyond our control, and when the body betrays us, there is not much one can do.
We think two elastic ankle braces are plenty for taking it easy for a while (however this athlete is performing tremendously despite the braces).
Easy Rider
What happens the day after? what happens when you reach that peak and realize that the days of being a professional bike rider are over? Have a look at this photo. Can you spot the ten differences between them? (besides the tan line)
It looks as if this bike rider has mapped out the Tour de France route on his legs, by using his veins. He will surely always be connected to his professional past.
The Almighty Seven Field
Sacred only for women, the seven fields cover amongst others the hurdles which, for us, seems to be one of the hardest events. The abilities the human body must endure are preserved only for the true superwoman. For the best of them all.
We hope this athlete doesn't stay in this position and decide to continue to other events in the competition, as we feel it might be a bit difficult taking part in the 100m sprint with one leg stuck in the air.
Fred and Ginger
Since they were five years old, these two have been dancing. Starting with classic ballet lessons, moving on to jazz and hip hop, and joining the tap and Irish companies in their teens.
Now that they have reached their twenties, the most beautiful years of their life, they have been accepted to the "Strenchitbaby" corps de ballet. And yes, this is how they have to remain all the time.
The Boxer
Boxing is no joke. One of the most violent sports around, however big names and grand idols have grown out of this world. Mohamed Ali for example is one of the greatest sportsmen of the 20th century.
The odd thing is, we knew boxers develop very strong arm and leg muscles, they developed extra strong abdominals and are extremely fit. What we didn't know and came as a surprise, is that apparently, the brain develops tremendously, and becomes an essential part of this sport. So, there is more to boxers than what the eye can see.
Balance it Out
Although walking on a rope is not an official sport, the physical abilities and the balance required to perform well turns this into a sport as far as we are concerned.
Pay attention to the glove the performer has on. This is to avoid fingerprints on the wallets being picked from the crowd. Rope walking is one of the best escape methods for professional thieves.
You're as Cold as Ice
There are ways of heating your body when it's cold, and there are ways to turn down the flames after a harsh workout. The athlete in this image thought of the easier, most natural way to do so. He went back to basics.
No modern devices, no up-to-date technology. A simple extra-large ice block, one tub, and away you go. Couldn't get those muscles any cooler.
Spin Screwing
The ice skating world has been around for years. The famous spin-screw ice skaters are known for things that normal people can't perform. We don't care how much you try to persuade us, you are either born with it or not.
This young lady in the photo emphasizes this fact, as we don't know where her hands start and where her legs begin.
Relax, Don't Do It!
Everyone anywhere needs a break. There is a limit to what our human body can do, and if we don't listen to it and don't give it rest when needed, the performance will show.
Take advantage of your free time even when watching your favorite show on T.V. Get your leg up there and stretch.
Fly Fly, Butterfly
At a very young age, little children invent their own dance routine, resembling things they see and things that want to be when they grow up. But mimicking flying objects is not something reserved only for little children.
Yet again, the human body manages to amaze us and shows that if we really want something, and if we really set out minds to it, we can do anything we want. And be anything we want. Even a flying human butterfly.
Superheroes
All children (especially boys) at a certain stage of their childhood, want to be a superhero. Superman, Batman, Captain America, or The Incredible Hulk, it doesn't really matter.
So next time a child says that Spiderman doesn't exist, show them this photo. Spiderman does exist, and the human body can do anything you want it to do if you believe strong enough.
Adam and Eve
Back in the Garden of Eden when the whole apple and Eve story was going on, there was a snake. And the snake was devious. And the snake could do many things humans could only dream of.
Take a look at the x-ray photo and tell us what you see, as there is no way Adam or Eve were up to this.
Leg Warmers
Achieving goals, having amazing bodies, and enjoying fame and glory are the pink sides of being an athlete, however, there are also darker times and painful moments. Luckily enough the modern world has provided devices intended for making the athlete's word a little easier.
These unique electronic foot warmers, intended for helping blood circulation, do much more than you think. They ease the pain, relax the foot and charge your iPad.
Double Trouble
The size (of anything) doesn't always matter. As you can see in this photo, these two guys are both cycling for the same riding team and they are in no way in the same dimensions.
So which one do you prefer? The incredible mini hulk on the right, or the - "what was I thinking taking a photo with that dude" - on the left?
The Globetrotters
Sports are not only about keeping healthy. Sports can also be pure entertainment. Keeping the audience glued to the basketball court for example, and not only to follow the balls being missed time and time again.
This ex-globetrotter has gone solo. He has developed his one-on-one career and is grabbing all the fame. We wonder how long he is planning to stay up there.
Slippy Slops
Being a professional ski jumper requires many abilities and talents. Not anyone can decide that they are going to jump for life. This is the view from the top of the Olympic ski jump.
So as we said, to be an Olympic ski jumper, you need courage, strength, belief, and not giving a damn about the next day as no one will guarantee you're coming out of this jump safely.
Enough is Enough
Single ice skating performance is one thing, couples ice skating performance is another. It's everything you are amazed, but double the pleasure and double the joy. Couples ice skaters are as good as it gets.
From what we can see in this image, it's not all good, and ice skaters do have their share of arguments between one another. This guy had it easy, as he didn't have to go very far to get rid of his partner. Enough is enough!
Run Run Run
To be honest, we were a bit skeptical about the credibility of this photo, as we can almost feel the pain projecting through. Athletes in general and runners, in particular, develop such strong leg muscles that they look completely different than the ordinary person's calf.
They don't have a gram of fat on them and they work like an oiled machine at its peak. This is what a runner's leg looks like after training. We don't want to know what it looks like when there is a cramp.
It's All About Proportion
A new pair of jeans is probably the hardest thing to buy. There are so many designers and cuts on offer from bell bottoms to boot cut, straight cut, low rise, high rise, skinny jeans, mama jeans, and the list goes on and on.
The guy who was blessed with these extravaganza thighs might find it slightly difficult to choose a style. We would recommend the bell bottoms. Worn upside down.
Child Birth
The wonders of childbirth keep fascinating us. Two people create a third, bringing new life into the world. The human body has abilities that we barely understand, and the physical aspect of this miracle is a wonder within itself.
This lady hasn't come to terms with the fact, that she is out of the womb. Yes we know, the world is a difficult place, can be cold sometimes and a bit noisy in our opinion. But staying like this with your legs around your neck for too long is not going to get you anywhere my dear.
One Two Three Strikes
At first, we were admired by the position of this lady. So strong and so firm, believing this was a famous gymnastic. Then we realized, she was holding a baseball in her hand, which made this photo even more interesting.
So, we were right the first time, this is indeed Simone Biles, an incredible athlete. In this photo, she is throwing the first pitch for the Huston Astros. We are sure Simone managed to throw that ball so far and accurately, just as she performs in the gymnastics stadium.
Casper And Friends
Everyone loves basketball. And everyone loves not listening to their mother while growing up and not wanting to come back home on time. We all preferred to stay an extra hour on the court shooting some loops.
When the trial begins, and this boy's mother insists she saw her boy in the court throwing a ball way past his curfew, we doubt this photo will be useful as evidence. We want to see this mother proving this is her boy. My lord, this boy certainly knows how to basket his ball.
Opening Ceremony
It is obvious that Alexander Volkov (right), a professional mixed martial artist, and the young lady to his side, Seda Tutkhalyan, well- she's not a basketballer. However, they both represent the Russian team.
Do you think Alexander Volkov carried the national flag at the opening ceremony of the Olympic games, or he just carried Seda Tutkhalyan wearing a top with the flag on it, and no one noticed?
Strike the Pose
There is no need to introduce the magnificent Nadia Comaneci. The Romanian wonderchild who scored the perfect TEN, which was never scored before. This image says it all.
How astonishing the human body is, and how much strength is needed for this pose. At first, we thought the photo was taken horizontally, and then simply turned around, but no. Nadia Comaneci was this strong and held this position with her own amazing body.
Gillette. The Best a Man Can Get
It is known that athletes, both men, and women remove body hair, and it's not only because it looks good. For swimmers, for example, long-stroke is performed better, as the water wraps their silky body and carries it over the water faster.
This dude (Nathan Gadrian) obviously didn't understand the competition's manual properly, as they specifically recommended avoiding the eye area when applying the hair removal cream.
Who're We Gonna Call? Ghostbusters
A trip down to the beach is pure escapism. Sun sea and surf, fresh breeze blowing in your hair, and a mojito in your hand. Sounds like a perfect beginning to the day, or a relaxing ending to one. Either way, the beach is the place to be!
Just remember. With all the sun and glory the beach provides, security is not on the list. I wouldn't want to come across these three not escorted by body guards.
Usain, Say Cheese!
We are still unsure who amazes us more. Mr. Usain Bolt or the photographer of this photo. They are both giving us reasons for a grin on our faces, making us wish we could be a little more like them (the runner or the photographer, you chose).
When running 100m at the Olympic games, you have to give it all. Bolt proved once again, that he was one step ahead of everyone else. Not only did he win the race, but he also found time to stop and smile. And the photographer....touche' to him.
Nosy Pegs
We don't want to underestimate the beauty of artistic swimming, and we know that a lot of time and effort is invested into this magnificent sport, but no matter what you say, and no matter how hard you try to convince us- it doesn't look good.
What does she think? That being carried over water by ten other girls, a clothes peg on the nose, and a look of someone that's lost it, will make us change our mind? No, thank you!
Give Me an A
The world of gymnastics is fascinating. Little girls dream of flying, make their wishes come true and spend years and years turning the Comaneci fairytale into reality.
Surprisingly, these athletes spend hours and hours, practicing the next message they want to pass on to their coach. A - for America, U- for Utah, O- for Olympics, and W- for we've had enough, we're hungry, we're off to Wendy's.
Fashion Mistakes
When it comes to new fashion trends, there is no right or wrong. There are some things you like and things you don't, and no matter how much time is spent trying to persuade you to wear something, if it's not love at first sight, it won't work.
Van Der Weijden, the Olympic swimmer has his unique style of fashion, seen on the design of his "163km swim" pair of gloves.
Losing Track of Time
Riding a bike is one thing, but riding long distances is another. You can see by the look of this man's legs, what riding up and down hills for over 2000K miles, results in.
The riding route is delicately mapped out. All it is lacking, are a few miniature villages and trees to complete the scene.
Water Rings
Water Perfection At first, we weren't sure if these were plastic or silicone rings in the water. After diving deep into the images we realized this was all man maid.
For us, it would be hard to keep ourselves under the deep water for such a long time, however, for this diver, the challenge of creating rings underneath the blue, almost to perfection, was no more than a piece of cake.
Baby, You Can't Drive My Car
This next one was taken at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The photographer managed to catch these two cyclists in a moment to remember. Do not attempt to do this when riding your bike on a Saturday afternoon.
The balance, the concentration. Not everyone could pull this off. We wouldn't want to come across one of these on our next bike trip as you never know how close it might get.
Window Surfing
This is beyond our conprehendance. And no matter how long we attend yoga or pilates lessons, there is no way our body will be able to bend as wide as these in the image.
One thing concerns us though, if the window frame were to be wider and taller, would this stunning flexible lady continue practicing her stretching routine to fit?
Jiminy Cricket
Many people practice yoga and even we know a few who astonish us with their abilities to bend and reshape their bodies.
But please don't underestimate this magnificent sport. Yes, yoga is a sport. This woman is balancing her entire body weight solely on the paws of her hand. Impressive!
Two Men Riding a Bike
The next image shows how different and unique each body is. That no matter how strong we practice and no matter how hard we try, our bodies will never be like anybody else. Take a look at these two.
These two dudes are on the same cycling team and practice more or less at the same frequency. The guy on the left is well built and in proportion, while the guy on the right looks like he has borrowed a pair of this friend's thighs.
No Trends
No, no no, this is not a new fashion statement, Do not expect to see people walking around in these over-to-top extravaganza leg warmers.
As athletes' legs must be fully warmed up, this device maintains the legs at a high temperature s they don't injure themselves and perform their best.
Heavy Lifting
If you ever wondered what a heavyweight lifter's hands look like, you can stop wondering. Take a look at this sportswoman from the Philipines after winning a gold medal.
Two things amaze us here. First, the number of wounds and blisters she has, and second, how on earth is this girl keeping a smile on her face with all that pain?
Taking Home the Tracks
There are no words to describe the pheomelanin called Usain Bolt. he is definitely one of a kind. He is fast on the track s and it doesn't end there.
Apparently, he has a habit of taking pieces from the track back home with him at the end of every race. Yes, my friend, those are not skin tags. They are track residues.
Home Made Gloves
Alex Gregory is an English athlete, specializing in rowing. He has won two medals in the Olympic games and he also has his own line of handmade gloves.
Now seriously. This is what his hands look like after spending too much time in wet gloves. Apparently, the blisters were not as painful as the wet and damp conditions on the skin.
Determination Under Water
Not everyone is capable of breaking a world record, especially not under the waves. Maarten van der Weijden of the netherland is one of them.
Besides this being a beautiful photograph, there is also a beautiful story behind it. This is what hands look like after swimming for thirty-one hours and seven minutes. A world record has been broken.
6'8" & 4'8
This great image just proves that size doesn't always count. No matter how tall you are (or how short you are) there is a place on the Olympic podium for everyone.
Could you imagine this volleyball player attempting to do a routine on the bars? Or show his talent on a floor exercise? Even though he is twice her height, she is as grand as he, if not greater.