Meanwhile, canoeists in Rio are delivering some amazing action shots

he Olympics aren’t always as glamorous as they seem — especially when it comes to canoeing. 

On Thursday, New Zealand's Luuka Jones slipped into second place in the K1 canoe slalom. Photos of the event reveal how physically taxing professional sport is on the individual  — in case you've been fooled by #fitspo advertising.

'The River Wild' IRL

IMAGE: AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Sport isn't sexy. It's gruelling, exhausting and as far from a Victoria's Secret commercial as you can get. The K1 canoe slalom is a sterling example of this. In this event, athletes must navigate a 250-meter (83-yard) course covered in poles they can't hit with any part of their body, paddle or canoe. The sport is modelled on the ski slalom but replaces snow with manufactured white water rapids. 

The mixing of a traditional obstacle course with the goal of not drowning is perfect for tell-all facial expressions — a timely reminder that this stuff is not for the faint of heart or aquatically challenged.

Goddamn it I said LEFT.

IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

We give you the glamour of competitive slalom.

Is there a gold medal in here?

IMAGE: ROB CAR/GETTY IMAGES

Don't touch me don't touch me don't touch me.

IMAGE: JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES)

Get out of my face!

IMAGE: ROB CARR/GETTY IMAGES)

Has anyone seen my canoe?

IMAGE: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

*I've made a HUGE mistake*

IMAGE: JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

If I pull THIS face, the boat will turn faster.

IMAGE: AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Let's go again.

IMAGE: AFP/GETTY IMAGES