Photos from the 2026 Winter Olympics

The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

We grew up with this phrase from the show “ABC’s Wide World of Sports.”

But in reality, it’s the spaces in between that can resonate and give a sense of mortality to these world-class athletes.

Attending these momentous events at this year’s Winter Olympics, I tried to keep in mind the fragile dynamics of our collective psyche while performing against the spectacular backdrop of the Dolemites or walking the historic and ancient streets of Milan.

Dozens of photographers work at each event. Just like athletes on the field, they are participating in a competition.

Competing with each other to create the best image. Compete with the elements at outdoor venues, such as freezing cold, rain, wind and snow. And most importantly, compete with themselves to exceed their personal standards of what constitutes exceptional photography.

Witnessing what is probably an athlete’s greatest moment is both a pleasure and an honor.

Here are some of the visual surprises.

Mikhail Shaidorov shows off his metal by biting the gold medal he won in the men’s individual skating final.

French skier Laura Gauche navigates against the backdrop of the Dolomites en route to the finish line in the women’s team combined slalom.

Figure skater Ilia Malinin feels the pain of a poor performance during the men’s single skating final at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.

Megan Keller is mobbed by her teammates after scoring the game-winning goal to beat Canada 2-1 in overtime in the women’s ice hockey final.

The American team is reflected in the ice during the women’s team pursuit at the Milan Speed ​​Skating Stadium.

Swiss skier Mélanie Meillard cries in the arms of her teammate Janine Schmitt after missing a turn during her women’s combined team slalom.

Lindsay Vonn is airlifted from the mountain after crashing during the women’s alpine skiing event.

American skier AJ Hurt waggles her tongue after a successful slalom run in the women’s team combined slalom.

The gloves were flying as Tom Wilson, left, of Team Canada, took on Pierre Crinon of Team France at the Milano Santa Giulia ice hockey arena.

Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates practice before competing in the ice dance free skating competition.

American skater Amber Glenn cries after completing an imperfect routine in the single skating short program.

American skaters Eunice Lee and Corinne Stonnard crash during the women’s 3,000m short track speed skating event.

French skater Adam Siao Him Fa performs a flip during the men’s singles final.

Medals and selfies for Italy, Korea and Canada in the women’s short track speed skating team finals.

The Swiss women’s ice hockey team leaves their equipment on the ice while celebrating their overtime victory against Sweden in the bronze medal game.