Crampons, crashes and creativity: Tom Jenkins’ best photos from the Winter Olympics

Guardian Sport

by Tom Jenkins

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Tom Jenkins, an experienced sports photographer who has attended six Summer Olympics, shares his unique perspective on covering his first Winter Olympics in Italy. The event marked a departure from his usual experience due to its location in northern Italy and the growing prominence of Team GB, which aimed for a record medal haul. Jenkins captured a variety of action-packed sports, including ski jumping, big air, ice hockey, biathlon, curling, and more, all set against stunning snowy landscapes. Despite the challenges of adapting to new sports and environments, he found the experience both exciting and enjoyable. The Winter Olympics offered stark contrasts between different sports and locations. From a sporting perspective, Jenkins observed the graceful artistry of figure skating juxtaposed with the intense brutality of ice hockey brawls. Meanwhile, the precise delicacy of curling stood in sharp contrast to the chaotic energy of short-track speed skating. Geographically and culturally, the venues also differed significantly. Livigno, perched high in the Alps near Switzerland, was a hub for modern snow sports, catering to thrill-seekers eager to twist and twirl in the sky. In contrast, Cortina, nestled in the Dolomites, represented a more traditional skiing destination with a long-standing establishment. Meanwhile, Milan’s modernist venues, located on the outskirts of town, drew international fans who relied on convenient metro systems for transportation. However, Jenkins faced challenges beyond just capturing compelling imagery. Traveling between distant venues was exhausting, particularly during late-night bus rides over mountain passes in blizzard conditions.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/23/2026