MILAN (AP) — Hassan Ammar is an Associated Press photojournalist based in Beirut since 2009. He covers politics, conflicts and breaking news across the Middle East. He has photographed four World Cups and three Summer Olympics, with the 2026 Olympics being his first Winter Olympics.
Why this photo?
advertise
This photo stands out to me because it captures a rare moment in a fast and chaotic game. The puck is usually shot from the side or the ice and is full of speed and collision. It’s rare to see a goaltender looking up to the rooftops and tracking the puck with his eyes, and that brief moment of anticipation is what drew me to this moment.
How I made this photo
With new technology and fast cameras that offer speed and clarity, we can now cover angles we couldn’t in the past. Overhead remote cameras were positioned above the goals at either end of the rink, and I was also perched high above the ice, looking straight down. This gave me a clear, visual understanding of goalkeeping. I wait for the right alignment – when I see the opposing player getting ready to shoot, I click the shutter because I know it’s likely to be a strong image.
Why this photo works
advertise
This photo simplifies the game to one athlete and one exciting moment. The overhead angle eliminates distractions and emphasizes shape, color and expression. The fearful, focused and almost pensive expressions on the athletes’ faces contrast sharply with the intensity of the Olympic competition, creating a sense of tension.
___
AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
