Why this sports photographer doesn't want to celebrate her award-winning image: "The photo means something different now"
Ágata Dominguez's Trail Category winner at The Illume Awards shows Ida Amelie Robsahm, who died months after it was taken
Norwegian trail runner Ida Amelie Robsahm succumbed to injuries sustained during a fall on Norway's Romsdalseggen ridge on September 19. She was just 30 years old. Photographer Ágata Dominguez's snapshot of Robsahm during the Zegama-Aizkorri race in Spain garnered the Trail Category accolade at The Illume Awards 2026. While this is typically a moment of jubilation, Dominguez now reflects on the photo's changed meaning in light of Robsahm's untimely demise.
She emphasizes how fortunate she was to capture that specific moment on the muddy, uphill stretch of the race, where she felt the emotional intensity and witnessed the crowd's fervor. The photographer, who has resided in the Swiss Alps for ten years, credits the Canon EOS R5 Mark II camera and a Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM lens for capturing the image at 1/800 sec, f/4, and ISO400 settings.
Dominguez's composition offers spectators a sense of being part of the throng, while also maintaining the runner's emotional expressions and body language. The judges for the Trail Category included photographer Will Saunders, filmmaker Alexis Berg, photographers Hilary and Billy Yang, and athlete Markus Kröll. Dominguez's description of the photo resonates with the judges' sentiments. She dedicates the win to Robsahm, stating, 'This one is for you. Run free, Ida.'
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