Like a lot of people across the globe, this week I have been enthralled by the 2012 Olympics in London. It simply amazes me how these athletes build, train and push their bodies to achieve incredible goals.

After spending weeks watching the Tour de France last month, I’ve been happy to follow the Olympic cycling road races and time trials. And it’s been exciting to see so many of the other sports that really don’t get much coverage outside of Olympic years. Sports like swimming, diving, gymnastics, and beach volleyball are just of the few of the many events that have occupied my screen since Saturday.

Just as amazing as watching the events as they’re broadcast on television is flipping through the mind-blowing photographs captured by the professional press togs covering the games. With so many of the events moving at lightning-pace, being able to freeze the action in an instant is a skillful feat. So much determination, focus, and emotion is found just in browsing through the online galleries posted by some of the world’s top news organizations.

From the New York Times: “Peter Waterfield, left, and Tom Daley of Great Britain during the synchronized 10-meter platform dive. The pair placed fourth.” Photography by Adam Pretty of Getty Images.

I strongly encourage you to browse through the New York Times photo slideshows to see some truly amazing images. The faces of these athletes are exemplary of emotion and spirit of the Olympic games.

The photos also capture the regal nature of having these games in London, where many of the venues are located adjacent to and sometimes within actual royal palaces. One of the most majestic examples of this blend of sport and royalty was seen in the cycling time trials, starting and ending in front of Hampton Court, once the royal residence of Henry the VII. Adding to the noble splendor, the top three cyclists were seated upon gold and purple thrones  in front of the palace, as seen in this great shot by photographer Paul Hanna featured by the New York Times.