Ryan McGinley Captures the U.S. Olympic Team Flying In Rodarte

Emily Cook, Freestyle Skier (Aerials).

Ask any great athlete why they play the game, and they'll tell you that it's not just for the love of competition or the beauty of the sport, it's also to chase that moment when you transcend human ability—when you can actually float..when you can actually fly. Photographer Ryan McGinley captured choice members of the Rodarte-clad U.S. Olympics Team on camera for the New York Times, and whether they're completing double axels on ice, or somersaults on the slopes, these flesh-and-bones athletes look absolutely weightless as they taunt physics. Truth be told, the fuzzie-wuzzie Rodarte knits make them look a little Muppets On Ice-like, but who cares what you're wearing when you've figured out how to soar? (Ryan McGinley)

Anders Johnson, Ski Jumper.

Evan Lysacek, Figure Skater; Louie Vito, Snowboarder.

Hannah Kearney, Freestyle Skier (Moguls).

Jeret (Speeky) Peterson, Freestyle Skier (Aerials); Hannah Teter, Snowboarder (Halfpipe)

Kelly Clark, Snowboarder (Halfpipe).

Johnny Weir, Figure Skater; Anders Johnson, Ski Jumper

Hannah Kearney, Freestyle Skier (Moguls).

Rachael Flatt, Figure Skater; Shaun White, Snowboarder (Halfpipe).

Rachael Flatt, Figure Skater; Keauna McLaughlin and Rockne Brubaker, Figure Skaters (Pairs).