It’s not often a photographer has more tears in their eyes than the subject they’re capturing.
But that was the case as Linnea Lindberg briefly put down the camera to embrace partner Sam Williamson after the Aussie breaststroke star’s gold-medal swim.
Williamson completed a remarkable rise across the past 14 months to snare victory in the 100m breaststroke at the Commonwealth Games. Having ruptured his patella tendon during a gym exercise, he needed to learn how to walk again amid extensive rehabilitation before crowning his comeback with Sunday morning’s (WA time) boilover win.
And as soon as he was out of the pool, Williamson approached the gallery of poolside photographers and found Lindberg, with the pair celebrating the stunning triumph with a kiss.
The duo met at the Paris Olympics two years ago, with the Swedish photographer supporting Williamson every step of the way in his rise from the rehab room to the top of the medal dais.
“It is a fairytale and it’s something the two of us are going to remember forever,” Williamson said afterwards.
“I reckon she’s got more tears in her eyes than I do at the moment.
“If we get one good photo from tonight, it’s all worth it.
“Just having her on pool deck… having mum, dad, my sister in the stands, everyone back home watching. This is for all of us. I love you all.”
