The Summer Olympics in Paris has been under the spotlight, and we’re enjoying amazing photos and reportage from the event. But hidden amongst a box of donated cameras at The Photography & Video Show 2024, a volunteer stumbled upon a forgotten treasure from much earlier Games: undeveloped film dating back to the 1948 London Olympics.
The find has ignited a digital detective hunt as enthusiasts and historians alike race to uncover the identity of the mystery photographer who captured these historic moments. The images, recently developed, offer a unique glimpse into the post-war sporting spectacle, the first Olympics held after a 12-year hiatus due to World War II.
One photo in particular has provided a crucial clue. It depicts the thrilling 400m hurdles final, capturing the moment just as American athlete Roy Cochran was about to claim Olympic gold. The positioning of other renowned athletes like Rune Larsson and Duncan White in the frame has allowed for a precise estimation of when the photo was taken, narrowing down the photographer’s potential location within the stadium.
While the remaining photos, showcasing relay and long-distance races, offer less specific details, they nonetheless hold the potential to unlock more secrets from the past. The Photography Show has issued a call to action, urging the public to share any information that could help identify the photographer or the person who owned the film. “The photographer has yet to be identified,” The Photography Show wrote in a Facebook post. “Could these have been captured by one of our followers’ family members? Do the photos feature an athlete known to the photographer?” They’re looking for help identifying the photographer behind these images, and perhaps some of you have clues that could solve the mystery.
[via Digital Camera World; Images via The Photography & Video Show]
