Just as sporting glory often happens in the blink of an eye, so the same is true of the perfect sporting shot. Like athletes, photographers covering sporting events need laser-sharp focus and split-second precision. As we bask in the memory of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games and the stunning performances by the athletes – and as more women join the ranks of the photography community – IOC photographers choose their favourite images from the event and reflect on what they mean to them.

For photographer John Huet, Milano Cortina 2026 represents more than a collection of striking images: it marks a shift in how the Games are seen and who gets to tell their story.

"Milano Cortina feels like a real turning point—seeing near parity among athletes is something the International Olympic committee has been moving toward for years," commented Huet. "As photographers, there’s a real opportunity now to keep that momentum going behind the lens, bringing more diverse voices into the storytelling and shaping a more complete picture of the Games".

"What gives me hope," he continued, "is that the shift has already started—more women are getting access and showing up, even if the numbers are still catching up. If we keep pushing for broader access, mentorship, and more intentional hiring, we can build a future where the people documenting the Olympics truly reflect the athletes themselves".