Elsa Garrison: The Photographer Behind Jack Hughes’ Iconic Olympic Gold Medal Photo
Team USA’s Jack Hughes secured the game-winning goal against Canada in the 2026 Winter Olympics, but it was a photograph capturing his raw emotion – a gap-toothed grin amidst the celebration – that quickly became iconic. The image, snapped by Getty Images sports staff photographer Elsa Garrison, has resonated globally, symbolizing the team’s historic first U.S. Men’s hockey Olympic gold medal since 1980.
Capturing the Moment
Garrison described the moment as a result of both preparation, and serendipity. “I just was kind of just doing my job. It wasn’t until maybe well after the event that I thought, okay, that that could be pretty iconic, pretty cool,” she told CBS News. The photograph depicts Hughes, draped in an American flag, fist pumped in victory, with a bloodied mouth and chipped front teeth – a testament to the physical battle on the ice.
The photographer recounted strategically positioning herself near where the Team USA families were seated, anticipating the players’ immediate reaction after a win. “I was running around the outskirts of the rink like a crazy woman,” Garrison joked, adding that she “hightailed it” to the family section after the initial celebration, arriving with only seconds to spare.
Planning and Reaction
Garrison emphasized the blend of planning and quick reaction required in sports photography. “Even though sports are very spontaneous, there is a lot of planning I do in my head with all these different scenarios. So when things happen in a split second, I know exactly what I’m going to do, and I just go after it,” she explained. Hughes’ parents were conveniently seated directly behind her when she captured the shot.
Viral Impact and Hughes’ Injury
The image rapidly went viral, gaining national and international attention. Hughes himself revealed he lost at least one, and possibly two, front teeth after taking a high stick late in the game. Garrison admitted she didn’t initially anticipate the photo’s widespread impact, noting her phone began buzzing incessantly shortly after the game concluded.
“It’s still not registered yet. I believe to me it’s a lovely moment. It’s a nice moment,” Garrison said, adding that she regularly photographs Hughes during New Jersey Devils games and is familiar with his playing style. “I’m still in shock, honestly.”
When asked about being mentioned alongside renowned sports photographers, Garrison laughed, stating, “No pressure.” She attributes the photo’s success to a combination of skill and fortunate timing, highlighting the importance of reacting to the unfolding scene and having a pre-conceived game plan.
About Elsa Garrison
Elsa Garrison is a sports staff photographer for Getty Images, based in New York. Newsweek reports she is the talent behind what many are calling one of the best sports photos of the 21st century.
CBS News featured Garrison discussing how she captured the iconic image of Hughes’ broken-toothed smile.