Usain Bolt: The Story Behind One Of Athletics’ Most Iconic Images

Usain Bolt: The Story Behind One Of Athletics’ Most Iconic Images

Ever since his remarkable debut at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the Jamaican athlete had been a dominant force in the world of athletics. By the time the 2013 World Championships arrived in Moscow, Bolt had achieved a nearly legendary status on the track.

On a stormy evening in the Russian capital, amid crashing thunder and lightning in the sky, he secured yet another impressive victory.

The images from that night, depicting Bolt racing to gold with lightning as a backdrop, have achieved iconic status, thanks in part to the lens of French photographer Olivier Morin.

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A Lightning-Captured Bolt

Morin, working for Agence France Presse (AFP), had covered Bolt at numerous significant events and had long pursued a specific image of the superstar athlete.

“My goal was to position the remote camera as the furthest point in the curve to capture his celebration with arms outstretched against the stadium backdrop with the rings and everything – you know, the classic shot – which, by the way, nobody had done,” Morin explained to CNN Sport.

Morin speaks of the grandeur of Bolt’s 6ft 5in frame and likened his signature celebration to that of an albatross – arms extended like the bird in full flight.

The 58-year-old believed he had missed capturing his dream shot, but the result he saw when reviewing his work was even more extraordinary.

“As I saw it on my laptop, just seconds before sending it to my desk, I knew it was going to be a good photo. Only a good photo,” he recounts.

Morin went on, “Bolt, bolt – I instantly made the connection, of course. And I knew it would be a good photo for me. Not a great one, because I still had in mind the idea of capturing his arms wide open.”

Morin had certainly underestimated the reception his image would receive.

Bolt’s Seal of Approval

A few days later, Bolt embarked on his quest for gold in the 200 meters. After qualifying, the world record holder for the 100m and 200m received a print of Morin’s now-famous photograph.

“‘This photo is worth a thousand words.’ That’s what he [Bolt] said,” Morin recalls with a smile.

The two crossed paths again two years later during the World Championships in Beijing, discussing the iconic image.

Morin cherishes their reunion and chuckles as he recalls Bolt saying, “‘You know, I still have your photo in my home.’ And I replied, ‘I hope you still do. I won’t get a second chance.’”

Double Satisfaction

Bolt’s legacy on the track is etched in the record books. Yet, he is also remembered as an exceptional showman, an athlete who transcended his sport with his skill and charisma.

“For me, he embodies exactly what a sportsman should be like,” Morin explains. “Relaxed, serious when needed, but not taking himself too seriously, easygoing, enjoying interactions with everyone, spending more time in the stadium after a race than before, and always wearing a smile.”

“It gives me double satisfaction that I was able to capture this image of the kind of athlete I deeply admire and respect,” he adds.

Crafting One’s Luck

Sports photography is evidently an amalgamation of various elements: expertise, instincts, experience, and often the most pivotal element – luck.

“When we are lucky enough to be talented, that’s great. But if your talent lies in being lucky, that’s even better,” he remarks, recalling wisdom imparted by a colleague.

The veteran photographer believes that some of the luck he has experienced throughout his career is a reward for the dedication and effort he invested in honing his skills.

“In sports photography, it’s like athletes themselves, they attempt different strategies at times to score or achieve something. I think I’m similar in that way. I keep trying until I succeed,” Morin states.

He is firmly convinced that “effort is always rewarded,” and it’s undeniable that Morin’s years of hard work capturing Bolt yielded remarkable results. A decade later, the impact is still felt.

Credit: CNN