Counting Down to China

As a photographer I have extraordinarily been lucky, having the best seat in the house at a variety of World Cup events. The 2003 Women’s World Cup, was quickly re-scheduled from China due to the SARs epidemic. It was a great experience but as often happens with re-scheduled events, in spite of the fabulous competition, the local organizing committee did not have time to adequately promote and market the event, and as such the attendance was less than what was hoped for.



In March of 2004, I was invited to the Biathlon World Cup in Fort Kent, Maine. Fort Kent is the most northern and eastern city in the US. Imagine a crowd of 6,000 spectators taking over a town with 4,000 residents. It was truly amazing. What was best was shooting in the woods and hearing the roar of the crowd in the stadium area as the skiers finished shooting and headed out for another lap. Photographers have to be careful shooting biathletes - they shoot back!



December 2005 took Phil Bowen and me to British Colombia for the Canadian Nordic World Cup. The top skiers in the world were there and the crowd was amazing. Blue skies and 60 foot pine trees, combined with great Canadian hospitality. Many great shots and even more new friends. Phil and I will be heading back to the Canadian Rockies in January 08.



In March 2006, the Short-Track Speed Skating World Championship came to Minnesota. Short and speed are the key words here.



International competition is amazing and so far, in my travels, they have all come to North America to meet me. This time it is definitely different.

I will be leaving for China in less than a week to shoot the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup Soccer Tournament. I will be shooting all of the US games, plus a few others. Flying in the Shanghai and then traveling to Chengdu for the initial portion of Group B play. I will then return to Shanghai (as luck would have it, on the same flight as the US Team) for the final portion of Group Play. From there, well, it depends on the outcome of the Group play, but the US has an amazing well rounded team and a great shot at the gold!

I am both excited and apprehensive. As a photographer, there is no way to travel light and going to China, as a Journalist requires a special Visa, as well as an inviation, in my case from FIFA.

My preparation has seemed to be more paperwork than photography and I will be relieved to get on the plane next Friday morning.

I will be posting comments and images every day of the tournament. Much more to follow.