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Boxing champions’ portraits: Ex-athlete-turned-photojournalist captivates netizens
Published on: Sunday, August 25, 2024
By: Jessie Lee
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Annice (right) shared a moment with Imane (centre) after the impactful photo session at Paris 2024. (Pic: Annice Lyn)
At the Paris 2024, as a portrait photographer and production assistant with the Association of National Olympic Committees (Anoc), she contributed to the digital acceleration programme for over 50 National Olympic Committees (NOCs).
She said the initiative, which included portraiture and behind-the-scenes imagery, aimed to enhance the social media presence of smaller countries like Palau, providing them with resources often reserved for larger nations.
“Working with Anoc, which supports and represents all NOCs globally, was a highlight. I had the privilege of photographing all three medallists – Gold, Silver, and Bronze – as well as capturing portraits of Imane Khelif, working alongside a team of incredible professionals,” she told Daily Express.
One of her most notable works from Paris 2024 was the portrait of Algeria’s first female boxing gold medallist, Imane Khelif.
The Olympian’s post of this image garnered 710k likes on Instagram, a testament to the impact of Annice’s work.
“Capturing the moments of Imane Khelif was exhilarating. On August 10, my last day of work, I received just 15 minutes’ notice to prepare before her and the Algerian contingent arrived. I aimed to capture Imane Khelif’s spirit and project her courage and resilience to the world,” she said, describing the moment.
Annice’s journey from being a national figure skater to an internationally recognised photojournalist is as inspiring as the stories she captures.
She attributes her artistic and technical approach in photography to her background in sports and architecture.
“Transitioning from a national figure skater to a renowned photojournalist was a significant leap, which began when I shifted my focus to architecture.
A combo photo of the portraits she took. (Pic: Instagram)
“The common thread among figure skating, architecture, and photojournalism is the blend of artistic and technical elements.
“In photography, the art lies in articulating and capturing fleeting moments as timeless imagery,” she said.
Annice’s illustrious career includes being the first Malaysian female photographer accredited for the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang 2018.
She sees these accolades as not just personal achievements but also as milestones for greater Southeast Asian representation in the visual arts.
“Receiving such recognitions is deeply meaningful as it paves the way for other Malaysians and Southeast Asian photographers, highlighting the need for more diversity and visibility in visual culture,” she said.
As a co-founder of Women Photographers Malaysia, she is also passionate about improving the representation of women in photography and sports media.
“Despite progress in gender equality, women are still underrepresented in these industries. It is essential to create opportunities and set the stage for more women to pursue their aspirations,” she said.
In 2021, she worked with Sabah-born artist Red Hong Yi for a feature piece on the cover of the Time Magazine, illustrating the dramatic effect of climate change by setting an artwork on fire.
She said on Instagram the entire process took the team two months of planning, two weeks to assemble the art piece and just two minutes to watch it all go up in flames.
“The essential purpose of photography is a form of communication that compels us to inform, reform and have the ability to impact and unite others as visual story tellers,” she said.
For aspiring photojournalists, Annice offers this advice.
“Be sincere and intentional, get your basics right, focusing on your own ABCs: Attitude, Behaviour, and Character. Allow room for magic, and if you care enough, it will show in your photos,” she told Daily Express.
Annice’s work continues to shine a light on both the athletes and her own journey as one of Malaysia’s most accomplished visual storytellers.
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