The first week of the 2016 Rio Olympics is over and it's been a long week. Not only is this my first time photographing the Olympics but it's my 1st time attending one. Brazil couldn't be a better location for a 1st time. The weather is beautiful and the city is full of amazing sites to see including Cristo Redentor one of the modern 7 wonders of the world.
Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer)
I had no hesitation when the job opportunity came to go to the Olympics even though the media had been playing up the negative side of Rio. You just don't get opportunities like this every day. I won't get into how the media is portraying Rio vs my own experiences but by in large the city has been pleasant and a positive experience.
Transportation and communication are by far the 2 biggest hurdles I've faced the 1st week. Everyone is friendly and tries to make you happy but to often you just can't communicate. It's not the Olympics fault I'm sure they've done all they could it's just the way it has to be with so many foreigners in one place. Uber has been a huge help and very reliable here. You don't need to pay them or negotiate a price. They don't need to ask where you're going so you exchange pleasantries and you're off. As for the Olympic buses and trains the system is decent and moving this many people can't be easy but multiple transfers on different buses and trains makes for long lines and longer travel times.
In 7 days I've photographed 10 events and for the most part I've stuck to events I've never shot or seen in past Olympics. Some are more photogenic then others and some get very little press coverage. I'd have to say fencing has been the biggest surprise and I enjoyed both watching and photographing the event. Some other highlights were boxing, seeing Michael Phelps swim and my 1st medal ceremony for women's trampoline gymnastics. Canada took the gold and where I was shooting from several girls from the Canadian gymnastics team were watching and cheering on their teammate. It was very exciting to be a part of.
China vs Poland Women's Fencing Sabre
Some of the venues and events have been thin in the audience. It seems like tickets are still being sold and Brazil hasn't filled a lot of the preliminary events of the less popular sports. But the fans who do show up are loud and proud to be there supporting the athletes. The most impressive showing was Argentina vs Croatia in men's basketball. The noise and energy put out by the Argentinians in the crowd was insane. It's good they won I can't imagine the boos if they had lost.
ARG vs CRO in Men's Basketball
Fans cheering on the Argentina team
Everyone is having a good time and wants to be social. I've met lots of athletes family's and friends there for support. There is probably an entire book of content in just covering this one part of the Olympics. However I haven't been photographing this aspect nearly as much as I should. If given another chance to be at the Olympics this is something I will try to put more effort into.
Besides meeting countless interesting people everywhere you go you never know who might bump into. At women's archery I found myself next to David Burnett who I'm lucky enough to have had dinner with previously through a mutual friend. While visiting the Cristo Redentor the largest tourist attraction in Brazil I turned around to find Tameka catchings, a women's basketball player I had photographed a year before. She is here playing for the US women's team and was just as surprised by the random encounter.
David Burnett photographing Archery