The Associated Press captured some of the most memorable moments in sports with their photos from events like the super lightweight title fight between Isaac Cruz and Rolando Romero in Las Vegas and the Tour of Flanders. Notable images included Cruz connecting a left hook to Romero’s face and Norway’s Vegard Stake Laengen riding through the historic center of Oudenaarde, Belgium. The selection also featured Marseille’s Quentin Merlin flipping over Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, potential NFL receiver Gregory Clayton Jr. performing a broad jump at LSU’s pro day, and more. The collection was curated by Mark Baker.
Additional photos showcased fans walking to the stadium for the Euro 2024 qualifying play-off soccer match between Georgia and Greece, Netherlands’ goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen failing to make a save during an international friendly against Germany, and North Carolina State players celebrating after an Elite Eight college basketball game in the women’s NCAA Tournament. Other images captured moments like Jeongeun Lee6 hitting from the desert rough in a golf tournament, Chicago White Sox’s Eloy Jimenez breaking his bat during a game against the Detroit Tigers, and Tim Tszyu landing a punch on Sebastian Fundora in a super welterweight title bout in Las Vegas.
The AP photographers also covered various baseball games, including employees waiting for the start of a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals’ Ildemaro Vargas using a photographer’s camera during an exhibition game, and Boston Red Sox pitchers and staff high-fiving in the bullpen before a game against the Seattle Mariners. Additionally, basketball moments were captured, such as UConn players diving over each other during a Sweet 16 college basketball game and LSU head coach Kim Mulkey reacting during a Sweet Sixteen round game in the women’s NCAA Tournament.
The selection of photos also featured moments from soccer matches, with Netherlands’ Matthijs de Ligt challenging Germany’s Chris Führich in an international friendly, Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen in action during the women’s Champions League quarterfinals, and Poland players celebrating after defeating Wales in a penalty shootout during the Euro 2024 soccer play-off match. The images captured a wide range of emotions and actions from athletes across different sports, showcasing the diversity and excitement of the sporting world. Fans were able to witness thrilling moments in sports through the lens of AP photographers, who captured the essence and intensity of the games.
