Ski Jumper Giovanni Bresadola Soars in Artistic Olympic Moment
An extraordinary photograph of ski jumper Giovanni Bresadola soaring through the air has captured global attention during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The image, taken by veteran Associated Press photographer Matthias Schrader, showcases a blend of technical precision and artistic vision in sports photojournalism.
Matthias Schrader: A Decade of Olympic Coverage
Matthias Schrader, based in Munich, has dedicated 30 years to photography, with 18 of those years spent working for The Associated Press. He is currently covering his 10th Olympic Games, having previously documented world and European championships in soccer, track and field, and various winter sports. His extensive experience brings a unique perspective to capturing high-stakes athletic moments.
The Art Behind the Shot: Trial, Luck, and Skill
Schrader explains that creating such images involves a mixture of trial, luck, and skill. After capturing standard shots of the ski jumping competition and finish-line reactions, he focuses on feature photography around the jumping hill. This includes long-exposure techniques that transform dynamic sports action into ethereal visual art.
Technical Details of the Photograph
The photo was taken using the new Sony 50-150mm lens, with settings of 1/5s exposure at f/11 and ISO 50. These parameters allowed Schrader to achieve a sharp yet fluid depiction of Bresadola's mid-air flight, highlighting the jumper's form against the backdrop of the Olympic venue.
Why This Photo Stands Out
According to Schrader, such long-exposure images are always eye-catching and distinctive. They provide photographers with an opportunity to demonstrate that photojournalism and sports photography can transcend mere documentation, evolving into a form of artistic expression. This shot of Giovanni Bresadola exemplifies how creative techniques can elevate sports coverage, offering viewers a fresh and immersive perspective on Olympic events.
AP Winter Olympics coverage continues to deliver in-depth insights and visuals from the Milan Cortina 2026 Games.
