As a sport event photographer, there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as being right in the thick of the action, lens poised and ready to capture the raw emotion and peak moments of athletic prowess. Such was the case on Saturday, 14th September, when Hyde Park in London transformed into a buzzing hub of competitive spirit for the ITU Women’s finals. The event, which saw Non Stanford gloriously clinch first place, was not just a showcase of top-tier triathlon talent but also a canvas for me to document as a sport event photographer.
The day was crisp and vibrant, the kind of morning that hinted at the excitement to come. Being a professional sport event photographer, I arrived early to soak in the atmosphere, to understand the layout and to plan my vantage points. The energy was palpable; athletes were focused, yet there was a sense of camaraderie that only these events can foster.
Working for Marie Curie Cancer Care, it was my duty and privilege to capture not just the physicality of the event but the spirit. The charity’s presence was significant, with numerous athletes competing in support of the cause, adding a layer of emotional depth to the day’s narrative.
As the competitors made their final preparations, I, too, was making mine. Checking my gear, ensuring batteries were charged, and memory cards were empty. As a sport event photographer, preparation is as crucial as the ability to take a good shot. You need to be ready to freeze a moment in time, often a split second that tells a story of dedication, triumph, or sometimes, heartbreak.
The starting horn sounded, and the athletes dove into the Serpentine, their coloured latex caps creating a mesmerizing mosaic on the water’s surface. This was the moment I had been waiting for — the start of a visual symphony where each frame captured would tell a part of the day’s tale. Positioning myself strategically, I focused on the expressions of determination, the water droplets cascading off powerful strokes, and the sheer willpower propelling each participant forward.
Transitioning from swim to bike, and then bike to run, I tracked the athletes’ journeys, my camera clicking in a rhythmic dance with their movements. The floating podium was a particularly striking scene, with waves of athletes mounting and dismounting, their faces a mixture of concentration and fatigue.
As Non Stanford crossed the finish line, the crowd erupted into a cheer that resonated throughout Hyde Park. The joy on her face, the culmination of countless hours of training and sacrifice, was the pinnacle moment for any sport event photographer. Capturing her victory, arms raised in triumph, with the backdrop of a cheering audience, was a reminder of why I do what I do. It’s not just about the photographs; it’s about the stories they tell and the memories they preserve.
In the end, as the crowds dissipated and the athletes cooled down, I reviewed the day’s work with a sense of fulfillment. Sport event photography is more than a job; it’s a passion. It’s about being a silent witness to the feats of strength and endurance, the personal victories, and the shared celebrations. It’s about immortalizing the essence of sport — the preparation, the anticipation, and the wave of emotions that come with it.
Saturday, 14th September in Hyde Park was a testament to the spirit of sport, and as a sport event photographer, I was honored to document each dive, pedal, and stride. For Marie Curie Cancer Care, for the athletes, and for the history books, these photographs serve as a timeless reminder of the day Non Stanford triumphed and the beauty of the sport unfolded before my lens.