Heinz Kluetmeier, a well-known photographer for Sports Illustrated, passed away on Tuesday in his Manhattan home at the age of 82. His daughter, Jessica Kluetmeier, shared that he died due to complications related to Parkinson’s disease.
Kluetmeier was famous for taking iconic sports photos, capturing unforgettable moments for fans. Despite the rise of television, his work stood out. Alongside other greats like Neil Leifer and Walter Iooss Jr., he brought readers stunning images and action shots every week.
His talent for photography was exceptional. As Marguerite Schroop Lucarelli, Sports Illustrated’s director of photography, noted, “Heinz wanted to bring people to a place or an angle they had never seen before.” He had a special knack for connecting with athletes, which showed in his photos.
One of his most famous shots came on February 22, 1980, during the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Kluetmeier perfectly captured the U.S. hockey team celebrating their stunning 4-3 victory against the Soviet Union. This win was a significant moment in sports history, leading the Americans to a gold medal win against Finland in the next game.
The photograph featured jubilant players raising their sticks in triumph, gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated without any words, a rare move for the magazine. “That’s one of the pictures people remember,” Kluetmeier once said, emphasizing the power of the moment he caught on film.
Heinz Kluetmeier’s legacy lives on through his remarkable images, reminding us of the joy and excitement of sports.
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