The 2014 Winter Olympics, officially the XXII Olympic Winter Games, are taking place in Sochi, Russia.
Great Britain has participated in many Winter Olympics since 1924, winning medals for everything from figure skating to the bobsleigh.
Our 9 gold medal wins include Robin Dixon and Tony Nash’s bobsleigh success in 1964, John Curry and Robin Cousins winning back-to-back figure skating victories in 1976 and 1980, and Amy Williams’ skeleton victory in 2010.
Here’s a small selection from about 100 Winter Olympic photographs that have been published in the Daily Herald Archive, held as part of our collection.
The Daily Herald was the first national newspaper to use images in expressive and innovative ways; the cropping and shading techniques employed by its staff—evidenced by this selection—could often subtly alter the presentation and meaning of a story.
America’s Ralph Townsend making a spectacular jump at St Moritz, Switzerland. 1 February 1948, Associated PressBritish bob-sled (bobsleigh) team with Schellenberg at the wheel, during a practice run in Cortina, Italy. 22 January 1956, International News PhotosBritain’s Winter Olympic team at the opening ceremony at the Berg Isel Stadium, Austria. 29 January 1964, Associated PressShocked at defeat by America, Canada’s Bob White hits out at Germany’s Karl Biersak during a 10-0 ice hockey victory. 3 February 1956, Associated PressThe opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games at St Moritz, Switzerland. 31 January 1948, Sport & GeneralSkier’s-eye view of the ski-jump at Holmekollen, near Oslo, as world champion, Norway’s Torbjorn Falkanger, starts his jump. 150,000 spectators waited at the foot of the jump. 25 February 1952, Associated PressThe USA’s four-man bobsleigh finished second to Germany at Frognarsataran, near Oslo. 22 February 1952, Sport & GeneralThe Italian speed skating champion Guido Caroli lurches, just before falling headlong in front of the Presidential box in the Olympic Stadium at Cortina, Italy. He stumbled over microphone wires but managed to stay upright and keep hold of the torch. 27 January 1956, Associated PressBritain’s second four-man bob-sled (bobsleigh) race down the Olympic track during their third run at Igls, Austria. 6 February 1964, Associated Press
