The Paris 2024 Olympic Games showcased not only the athletic skills of the world’s top competitors but also the technology that brought their performances to life. Among the key players ensuring every underwater moment was captured with precision was Jeremy Gabrielson, NAUI Special Projects and Event Coordinator. Also highlighted in the August 2024 edition of Scuba Diving Industry Magazine, Jeremy’s work behind the scenes with the UK-based Under The Water Media, owned by fellow NAUI member Simon Lodge, was instrumental in making the aquatic events at the Olympics a visual success.

Behind the Scenes at the Olympics

Jeremy’s role was far from routine. His days began with early morning meetings to prepare dive assignments and fill cylinders. The team had a narrow 15-minute window before the start of morning competitions to make crucial last-minute adjustments to underwater cameras. These cameras, positioned to capture every detail beneath the surface, often needed repositioning after being jostled during the athletes’ warm-ups. The tense atmosphere, with the events’ opening music and light shows in full swing and a packed arena watching, only added to the challenge.

As the day progressed, the team faced the task of moving and maintaining cameras for evening competitions. News agencies from around the world had specific requests for camera angles, following particular athletes, or making necessary adjustments. Each move required hours of diving to meticulously rearrange and camouflage the cables to maintain the Olympic venues’ pristine appearance. The day didn’t end until the early hours of the morning, with the team working tirelessly to ensure that everything was ready for the next day’s events.

Managing Multiple Venues

The underwater camera operations were not limited to a single location. Jeremy and the Under The Water Media team were responsible for La Defense Arena and the Paris Aquatics Center, each presenting unique challenges. Their responsibilities also extended to the Triathlon swimming event in the Seine River, where they assisted photographers in capturing athletes navigating the river’s currents.

Simon Lodge: The Visionary Leader

At the helm of these complex operations was Simon Lodge, a NAUI Regional Manager for Southern United Kingdom and a veteran in underwater media.  Under The Water Media, owned by Simon Lodge, was hired by the Olympics to ensure that photographers from news agencies around the world can get incredible shots of Olympic events from their underwater cameras. He was interviewed about his work and discussed the role these NAUI divers play in the planning, placement, and movement of the underwater cameras throughout the Olympic Venues.  Simon’s leadership and expertise, honed over years of experience, including his work since the 2004 Athens Olympics, were pivotal in the success of the underwater camera operations at Paris 2024. His ability to manage multiple venues while maintaining meticulous attention to detail inspired the entire team.

The Olympic Spirit

For Jeremy, the experience of working at the Paris 2024 Olympics was both professionally fulfilling and personally rewarding. The energy and excitement of the games, the camaraderie among the team, and the support from the French people and the international community made the hard work worthwhile. The shared mission of capturing the essence of the Olympic competitions fostered a bond among the team members that will endure long after the games.

Looking Ahead

As the Olympics concluded, the focus shifted to the upcoming Paralympic Games, where the Under The Water Media team would continue their work, ensuring these athletes were also captured in all their glory. For Jeremy, this experience marked a highlight in his career, combining his passion for diving with the thrill of being at the heart of one of the world’s most significant sporting events. His contributions, though behind the scenes, were vital in bringing the Olympics to life for billions of viewers worldwide.

For more information about this story, Jeremy Gabrielson can be reached at jgabrielson@naui.org.

For inquiries about Under The Water Media or Simon Lodge, email info@underthewatermedia.com or visit their website.

For more information about the National Association of Underwater Instructors, visit naui.org.