One Extraordinary (Olympic) Photo: Francisco Seco captures unusual image at rhythmic gymnastics
AP photographer Francisco Seco explains how he took the photo of Bulgarian Stiliana Nikolova performing in the rhythmic gymnastics competition
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Francisco Seco takes a closer look at his photo of Bulgarian Stiliana Nikolova performing in the rhythmic gymnastics competition:
Why this photo?
This is a sports photo that I’ve always wanted to take. I was lucky and the athlete made the jump right in front of me. Instead of picking up the ball, she hit it with her chest and — BOOM! — there is the photo.
How I made this photo
I was in a low position near the exercise area. I was using a 70-200mm lens because it’s my first time photographing rhythmic gymnastics and I wanted to secure some photos. After a while I took a chance with the 300mm to be able to close the action more.
Why this photo works
The action of Nikolova's jump in the air, her body suspended, the head hidden behind the body, the ball right in the center... I think it all makes for a bit of a creepy photo. But, with the cross shape of the body and arms... it’s good and it’s a photo you can look at for a while.
___
For more extraordinary AP photography, click here. For AP’s full coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics, click here.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.