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London 2012

Grimacing for gold: 12 intense pictures from the US Olympic diving trials

We might make a similar face if we were dive-bombing a pool from 10 metres.

WHEN ONE THINKS of the sport of diving at Olympic games over the years, graceful images of lithe, muscular bodies as they arrow towards the pool.

Images of gurning and gasping athletes does not immediately spring to mind. Until now.

Some stunning pictures emerged from the United States Olympic diving trials, during which 11 athletes qualified for this summer’s games.

The folks at Business Insider know being an Olympic diver takes enormous concentration, flexibility, poise and skill, but they never quite realized how that translates to the athlete’s facial expressions while in mid-air.

Here are a selection of extreme photos taken by Getty’s Otto Greule Jr from the States’ trials.

Grimacing for gold: 12 intense pictures from the US Olympic diving trials
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  • Justin Dumais has this under control

  • Kristian Ipsen and Troy Dumais both qualified for the Olympics

    Source: Getty Images
  • Victoria Ishimatsu hurtling towards the water

  • Haley Ishimatsu begins her descent

    Source: Getty Images
  • Nip and tuck for Bradley Christensen

    Source: Getty Images
  • Brittany Viola with a reverse vault off the diving platform

  • The pool is that'a'way points Laura Ryan

    Source: Getty Images
  • David Bonuchi with the old toe-touch routine

    Source: Getty Images
  • The intense Kristian Ipsen goes solo this time

  • "Cannonball" for Chris Colwill, who also qualified

    Source: The intense Kristian Ipsen goes solo this time
  • Walk the plank as Thomas Finchum goes for the full extension

  • At least Amy Korthauer is pointing in the right direction

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