Kansas native captures iconic moments at 8th Olympic games

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - The Olympics are underway, and the main focus is on the incredible athletes in attendance, but few stop to think about the people behind the scenes.

Kansas native Charlie Riedel is one of those people.

12 News spoke with him about his experience in Paris as a photographer for the Associated Press.

“You know, [the Olympics] wasn’t on my radar,” said Riedel. “I spent the first part of my career working at the newspaper in Hays, Kansas.”

Riedel graduated from Fort Hays State in 1983. Since then, he’s covered Super Bowls, Masters golf tournaments, Kentucky Derbys, spring training baseball, MLB play-offs and World Series games.

And this year marks his eighth Olympic games.

“There’s some very true genuine emotions to cover the Olympics,” said Riedel. “I don’t know that it has to be a milestone event you . It might just be someone that is in a minor sport, but they’ve reached their life’s goal and they’re excited about it. That’s great to capture.”

Riedel advises others to pursue their ions, like the Olympic athletes whose photos he captures.

“As long as you have a ion for it and love it,” said Reidel. “Be critical of yourself and try to keep improving no matter what the job environment, you’ll eventually find a place.”