Epic Bird's-Eye View Captures Chaotic Triathlon Swimming Battle at Oly

Capturing the Chaos: A Unique Glimpse into Olympic Triathlon Swimming

At the heart of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, amidst the flurry of athletic prowess, AP photographer David Goldman captured a moment in triathlon that few have seen before. Known for his keen eye, Goldman has been the lens behind the triathlon scenes at the last three Olympics, but this year, his perspective took a dramatic turn, quite literally from above.

Triathlon, a grueling test of endurance through swimming, cycling, and running, often starts with the swim—a segment known more for its strategic positioning than physical contact. However, Goldman’s latest photograph challenges our usual views of this discipline. Typically, triathlon swimming is captured from the sidelines or directly from the water's level. This time, Goldman found himself on a bridge, peering down into what he described as a "congestion" of swimmers in the open water below.

Imagine this: athletes, usually seen slicing through water with graceful strokes, were now entangled in a turbulent scramble for position. From Goldman’s elevated vantage point, the scene resembled a battlefield more than a race. Swimmers overlapped, some submerged under waves, others gasping for air, all while fighting the river's current and each other. The chaos was palpable, the physicality of the sport laid bare in a way that side or head-on shots could never reveal.

Goldman’s unexpected opportunity came as he was positioned for the bike segment but arrived early to explore the swim. Outside the official Olympic photo spots and beyond the security perimeter, he found a spot on the next bridge down from the start. His first attempts to capture the race's start were unfruitful, but as the athletes turned back against the current, they bunched up along the riverbank. It was here, looking straight down, that Goldman shot the compelling image with a relatively loose lens for sports—an 85mm.

This photograph not only captures the intensity and unexpected physical contact of the event but also highlights the vibrant pops of color from the swimmers' caps and suits against the churning white water. It’s a testament to the unexpected moments that often go unnoticed but are spectacularly revealing when caught through the lens of a skilled photographer like Goldman.

For those interested in seeing more of such extraordinary moments captured in professional sports, further stunning photography by AP can be explored here. Additionally, comprehensive coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics is available here, providing a deeper dive into the myriad of stories unfolding at this global event.

David Goldman’s work reminds us that every angle tells a story, and sometimes, a rare look from above can reveal the raw, unfiltered essence of a sport like triathlon. It's a chaotic dance, a battle of endurance, and a visual spectacle, all captured in the blink of a shutter.

Who is David Goldman?

David Goldman is an Associated Press (AP) photographer who has photographed triathlon swimming at the past three Olympics.

What is unique about David Goldman's photo of the 2024 Olympic triathlon swim?

The unique aspect of David Goldman's photo is the rare bird's-eye view perspective of the triathlon's swimming component, highlighting the intense physicality and congestion of the swimmers as they jostle for position.

Where was David Goldman positioned when he took the photo?

David Goldman was positioned on a bridge down from the start of the swim event, outside the security perimeter and designated Olympic photo spots.

What equipment did David Goldman use to capture the photo?

David Goldman used an 85mm lens, which is relatively loose for sports photography, to capture the swim event from above the bridge.

Why is the perspective in the photo considered unique for triathlon swimming?

The perspective is considered unique because it provides a bird's-eye view of the congestion and physicality of the swimmers, which is typically hard to capture from ground-level positions or traditional long-lens approaches.

How did the swimmers behave differently when swimming against the current?

When swimming against the current, the swimmers all moved to the same line along the bank of the river where the current was not as strong, leading to more congestion and physical contact.

How does the photo change the perception of triathlon swimming?

The photo changes the perception of triathlon swimming by showcasing the intensity and physical contact involved, making it appear more like a contact sport than typically assumed.