Context:

During the 2026 Winter Olympics in Predazzo, Italy, Polish ski jumper Kacper Tomasiak made a striking impression as he soared through rainy conditions, captured in a photograph by Evgeniy Maloletka, an award-winning Associated Press photographer from Ukraine. Maloletka, covering his first Winter Olympics, emphasized that effective photography conveys emotion and compels viewers to engage with the image. He chose to keep the raindrops on his lens, which added an authentic touch, creating a unique visual effect that mimicked the viewer's perspective in the rain. This approach exemplifies the blend of artistry and circumstance in sports photography. As the Olympics continue, Maloletka's work highlights the intersection of skill, weather, and the human experience in athletic competitions.

Dive Deeper:

• Kacper Tomasiak competed in the men's large hill individual ski jumping event on February 14, 2026, as part of the Milan Cortina Games.

• Evgeniy Maloletka has received multiple awards for his photography, particularly for his coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and this marks his first time covering the Winter Olympics.

• Maloletka's photo technique involved leaving raindrops on the camera lens, which enhanced the image's emotional impact and created a unique glare effect.

• The heavy rainfall during the event contributed to the atmospheric conditions, with a 100% chance of rain noted for the day.

• The photograph's ability to evoke presence and emotion underscores the importance of capturing not just the action, but the environment in sports photography.

• The Olympics are ongoing, and Maloletka's work will continue to reflect the dynamic interplay between weather and athletic performance.

• Maloletka's insights into photography emphasize the value of unfamiliar elements in creating compelling imagery that encourages viewers to reflect.