In a year teeming with unforgettable sports moments, Getty Images has released a dazzling collection of over 50,000 photographs that capture the spirit of 2024’s major sporting events, including Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. From extraordinary athletes to emotional triumphs, this selection of images tells the stories behind the year’s biggest moments in sports.
One of the standout images comes from the men’s 100m final at the Olympics, where photographer Hector Vivas used a remote shutter and layered eight different shots to depict the entire race in a single, compelling frame. “This image allowed me to condense 10 seconds of intense competition into one story,” Vivas explained.
Cameron Spencer captured a jaw-dropping rugby moment when Joseph Manu of the Sydney Roosters contorted his body in an unprecedented way while attempting a try. Spencer described it as a dynamic moment he had never witnessed in his career.
In an underwater marvel, Adam Pretty documented the World Aquatics Championships in a rare moment when sunlight illuminated a diver through scaffolding. “It was one of those moments when everything aligns for just a fraction of a second,” Pretty said.
The year wasn’t just about the athletes. Andy Lyons snapped a viral image at an MLB game in Cincinnati when a fan evaded security with a flawless backflip before being apprehended, capturing the surreal moment mid-air.
Another highlight came from the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where Michael Reaves focused on 8-foot-1 Morteza Mehrzadselakjani, the tallest Paralympian in history, showcasing his dominance in sitting volleyball as Iran clinched their third consecutive gold.
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Richard Heathcote showcased the raw power of boxing with a perfectly timed shot of Richard Riakporhe’s uppercut narrowly missing Chris Billam-Smith. Meanwhile, Alex Broadway used his keen eye for BMX to frame riders against a graphic background at the Paris Olympics, creating a visually striking shot of intense competition.
The Super Bowl brought an iconic pop culture moment as Ezra Shaw captured Taylor Swift sharing a kiss with Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce amidst the chaos of the trophy presentation. “It was a lucky break to be in the right spot at the right time,” Shaw admitted.
Cycling also had its share of artistry, with Tim de Waele highlighting a peloton surrounded by wintry trees in Spain, blending natural symmetry with vibrant athletic energy. Elsewhere, Robbie Jay Barratt captured Cristiano Ronaldo in tears during Euro 2024 after missing a crucial penalty, a poignant moment that resonated with fans worldwide.
Getty’s photographers didn’t stop there. From the artistry of gymnastics routines to the grit of blind football at the Paralympics, their work encapsulated the drama, emotion, and unexpected beauty of sport in 2024. Each image is a testament to the enduring power of sports photography in shaping cultural narratives.
This stunning collection not only celebrates athletic excellence but also reminds us of the universal appeal of human stories told through a camera lens. Whether it’s Taylor Swift in a Super Bowl embrace, or Novak Djokovic defying gravity with an acrobatic shot, these images have already taken social media by storm, ensuring their place in history.
