The Winter Olympics are just weeks away, and with the buildup to Sochi comes a flurry of press for athletes making the trek to Russia. Unfortunately for said Olympians, sometimes even the best-laid plans result in really bizarre photographs.

In July 2012, the web exploded over Joe Klamar's portraits of the US Summer Olympic team. Some criticized the AFP photographer for sloppiness and cheesiness, while others praised his playful approach and sense of humor.

As for the upcoming Olympics? Surely the gold medal in awkward portraits will go to these recent shots of the Canadian Winter Olympic team:

Erik Guay, alpine skiing

Mathieu Giroux, speed skating

Christine Nesbitt, long-track speed skating

Mark McMorris, slopestyle snowboarding

Justine Dufour-Lapointe (left) and sister Chloé Dufour-Lapointe, freestyle skiing moguls

(All photos by Jimmy Jeong/ The Canadian Press via AP)