They have chosen the same moment but with different angles. It is not just any photo; it is a photo that has already been shared around the world. Lars and Marina explain their choice to us.
“I really like shooting the action pictures of judo because it is pretty merciless to photograph. You have to have your attention on the fight every second, not to miss the greats shots, but I like it that way. However, during the +78kg final there was a situation that moved all the action shots aside in my view. When Sarah Asahina of Japan, in front of the TV cameras, picked up her injured opponent Wakaba Tomita, also from Japan and carried her out on her shoulders and still bowed before leaving the tatami, I shot my strongest shot of the championship. It was the essence of sportsmanship and the right spirit played out before all of us. Not only from Asahina’s side but also from Tomita, who was not too proud to be carried away from the final.
It’s not an action shot at all but a very different judo shot,” says Lars.
“This photo combines all the important things that judo teaches: respect for the opponent, fortitude, politeness, desire to help. I love this picture,” concludes Marina.
