Olympics Exhibition presented by EDF Energy

The essence of Athens 2004 captured by Getty Images’ award-winning photojournalists.

EDF Energy, one of the UK's largest energy companies and the first Premier Partner of London's bid to host the 2012 Games, in association with the Getty Images Gallery, showcased the most striking images from the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. This breathtaking photographic exhibition, which previewed on 25th November 2004, celebrated sport’s finest achievements from the XXVIII Olympiad, captured by Getty Images’ award-winning sports photojournalists.

Getty Images deployed a world-class team of 32 sports photojournalists to capture all of the excitement of the Games, from behind the scenes action to the drama and excitement at the finishing lines. The images were featured on the front pages of dozens of newspapers and magazines around the world and have now earned a permanent position in photographic history as part of Getty Images’ esteemed news, sport and entertainment archives, which includes one of the largest collections of Olympic imagery in the world.

Over 1000 images per day were uploaded to the Getty Images website during the games, with the company’s photojournalists capturing more than 100 images during the men’s 100 metre final alone. From this wealth of material, over 40 of the most atmospheric and seminal images from Athens were personally selected by the world famous Getty Images sports photographers including Clive Brunskill, Stuart Hannagan, Andy Lyons, Nick Laham and Shaun Botterill. Clive Brunskill, Getty Images sport photojournalist and twice-winner of the Sports Photographer of the Year said, “Every image on display at the Olympics Exhibition is an iconic record of each Olympian’s physical and emotional strength. It is a real privilege to be able to bring the spirit and vibrancy of both Summer Games to London. Without the talent or scale of Getty Images’ Olympics photojournalist team we could not share such an amazing collection”.

Getty Images Gallery Director, Louise Garczewska said, “Olympics Exhibition presented by EDF Energy is an energetic and vibrant exhibition that demonstrates the talent of Getty Images photographers in capturing the essence of the Games in Athens. The imagery relives the celebrations of the British men’s rowing team winning their gold medals, the ecstasy of Kelly Holmes’ spectacular triumphs and the despair of Paula Radcliffe’s unexpected exit. We are very proud that with the support of EDF Energy, we have brought the spirit of the Olympics right to the heart of London, in celebration of this great city’s bid to host the 2012 Games.”

John Morris, Programme Director of the London 2012 bid at EDF Energy said: “We are extremely proud and excited to partner with Getty Images to celebrate the Olympic Games held in Athens earlier this year. Olympics Exhibition presented by EDF Energy captures unique and compelling photographic moments from Athens 2004, and will inspire everyone who visits the gallery to help us win the London 2012 bid. This exhibition not only highlights the excellence of the athletes participating in the Games, it also portrays the atmosphere and spirit of the Olympics. Visitors to the exhibition will not fail to be excited by the possible impact of hosting the Games in London.”