Stefano, Camera Assistant for the Olympic Broadcast Service (OBS)
After my family and friends headed back to the USA, I decided to go to see Ski Jumping alone, with about 175lb of luggage and camera equipment. I took a train to Verona, slept overnight, then a train to Oro, a bus to Tresero, a bus to Panchia, dropped some things at my hotel, and then another bus to Predazzo. From there, I walked about .5 miles up hill to get to the entrance of the Ski Jumping venue, all with my 20lb Aaton 35mm Camera and a backpack with lenses, an extra magazine, and changing tent. I arrived to the venue about two hours before the trial jumps started, and sat for some time catching my breath.
Going into work, Stefano noticed me and my camera and was intrigued, so I showed him my normal demo of my camera when folks are interested. He asked how I would get access to the event with it, and he told me that the security here was extra strict, and because I only had a spectator ticket, they would likely deny my entry. Stefano, who had proper accreditation, offered to take my camera in for me past the initial security checkpoint, and seemingly, I had no other option, so I gave him my camera, he went ahead, and I waited in line to be let into the venue for about an hour.
There is a trust that Ski Jumpers have with everyone involved in the event who makes it possible for them to fly through the air. I felt a fraction of that trust here.
Once inside, Stefano delivered me my camera to the general admission area where I was positioned, and I was able to capture a moment of history on film- the first time in Olympic Ski Jumping that women were given equal access to compete on the same hill as the men.
This story is a reflection of the Olympic moments that happen for every single participant, coach, official, and spectator who takes part in the Games. People try their absolute hardest to even qualify, and still need that one helping hand to get them to compete.
Of course, I will share motion footage soon ⛷️
Camera: Fujica SLR
Lens: 55mm f/1.8
Film:
@cinestillfilm 800T at 640iso
Lab:
@thegreatdarkroomexperience
#unseenolympiad #milancortina2026 #olympics #sportsonfilm #35mm