Winter Olympics Photographer's Journey: Capturing Italy's Snowy Spectacle
Tom Jenkins, a seasoned photographer with six summer Olympic Games under his belt, embarked on his first Winter Olympics assignment in northern Italy. Lured by the promise of fast action sports set against beautiful snowy vistas, he approached the event with nervous excitement. Team GB's anticipated record medal haul added to the allure, making this Winter Games a standout experience for Jenkins.
Diverse Sports and New Challenges
Jenkins covered a wide array of winter sports, including ski jumping, big air, ice hockey, biathlon, and curling. Many of these disciplines were alien to him, but he found the experience highly enjoyable. He faced new rules and challenges, such as wearing sharp crampons—a far cry from his usual football match gear. The Games presented a study in contrasts: the gentle grace of figure skating was offset by the brutal brawls of ice hockey, while the delicate precision of curling juxtaposed with the frantic chaos of short-track speed skating.
Geographical and Cultural Contrasts
The venues offered stark geographical and cultural differences. Livigno, perched high in the Alps near Switzerland, felt like a giant playground for modern snow sports, catering to those who enjoy twisting and twirling in the sky. In contrast, Cortina in the Dolomites exuded an old-fashioned charm, populated by the traditional skiing establishment. Milan featured modernist arenas on the city's outskirts, with international fans easily accessing events via metro. However, transportation wasn't always convenient; Jenkins found the extensive travel between venues exhausting, and a late-night bus ride over the mountains during a blizzard was particularly harrowing.
The Speed and Jeopardy of Winter Sports
Winter sports are notoriously fast-paced, with lugers reaching speeds up to 93mph and skiers often invisible until the last moment, leaving photographers mere milliseconds to react. The element of jeopardy is ever-present, as favorites can crash out unexpectedly—like American skier Lindsey Vonn, who fell during the slalom while Jenkins waited at the finish line. Despite these challenges, Jenkins was in the right place at the right time to capture Matt Weston's gold medal win for Britain in the skeleton, anticipating his celebration based on previous observations.
Artistic Innovations and Memorable Moments
Seeking to create something artistic, Jenkins experimented with over-exposing ski jumpers in camera, resulting in ethereal, astronaut-like silhouettes against the dark sky. This technique became one of his favorite images from the Games. Other highlights included pyrotechnics at the opening ceremony, intense ice hockey collisions, and emotional moments like Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych's disqualification over a helmet protest. The Games were a blend of high-speed action, cultural diversity, and personal triumphs, all captured through Jenkins's lens.
