Photo – 5
Every athlete knows the routine does not always end with a salute. Here, the overhead angle makes the aftermath of the fall look almost like a chalk outline investigation, while the coach hovers nearby trying to assess the damage. It is not a glamorous moment, but it is definitely unforgettable.
What makes the image funny is how complete the collapse looks from above. The gymnast appears to have landed in a full-body statement of protest, as if she and the mat have reached a very sudden agreement. Awkward falls are bad enough in real time, but from this angle they become art.
