Dutch Athletes Celebrate Olympic Glory with High Five

AP photographer captures iconic moment of joy and camaraderie between Dutch competitors.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A stunning photograph taken by Associated Press photographer Ashley Landis at the recent Winter Olympics in Beijing has captured the pure elation and team spirit of Dutch athletes celebrating their success. The image shows two Dutch competitors exchanging a high five on the medal podium, their expressions radiating joy and pride after their triumph.

Why it matters

This photograph has resonated widely, becoming a symbol of the Olympic spirit and the incredible athletic achievements and personal triumphs of the world's top winter sports competitors. It also showcases the camaraderie and sportsmanship that can emerge even between fierce rivals on the world's biggest athletic stage.

The details

Landis, a veteran AP photographer based in Houston, Texas, has been covering the Olympics for six years. She said she was drawn to the Dutch athletes' infectious enthusiasm and sense of shared accomplishment in the moment, which she was able to capture in a single frame.

  • The photograph was taken on February 12, 2026 during the Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.

The players

Ashley Landis

A staff photographer for the Associated Press based in Houston, Texas who has covered the Olympics for six years.

Dutch Athletes

Two unidentified Dutch competitors celebrating their Olympic success with a high five on the medal podium.

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What they’re saying

“I was drawn to the Dutch athletes' infectious enthusiasm and sense of shared accomplishment in that moment, which I was able to capture in a single frame.”

— Ashley Landis, AP Photographer (Associated Press)

The takeaway

This iconic photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the joy, camaraderie, and shared triumph that can emerge at the Olympic Games, transcending individual accomplishments to celebrate the collective spirit of athletic excellence.