Photographer Heinz Kluetmeier dies at 82

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Photographer Heinz

Heinz Kluetmeier, a renowned photographer known for his iconic sports images, passed away on Jan. 14 at the age of 82. He died due to complications from Parkinson’s disease and a stroke.

Kluetmeier was born in Berlin and raised in Bremen and Milwaukee. He had a passion for both athletics and photography from a young age. At just 15, he was already shooting photos of Green Bay Packers games and capturing moments from the 1960 presidential campaign.

After graduating from Dartmouth as an engineering major, Kluetmeier briefly worked for Inland Steel before pursuing photography full-time. He freelanced for the Associated Press and then joined the Milwaukee Journal. In 1969, he began working for Time Inc., covering major events like the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Kluetmeier’s portfolio is filled with landmark sports images. His most famous shot is of the USA’s “Miracle on Ice” victory over the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Heinz Kluetmeier’s iconic sports photography

The photo appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated without a caption, as it resonated so strongly with the collective memory of the event. Kluetmeier was known for his technical innovations. He was the first to use underwater cameras in Olympic swimming events, capturing pivotal moments like Michael Phelps’s victory in the 100m butterfly at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by just .01 seconds.

Beyond his technical skills, Kluetmeier had a talent for finding unique angles and uncovering intimate details. He built strong relationships with the athletes he photographed, resulting in richer, more insightful images. He was also known for his willingness to mentor young photographers.

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Kluetmeier’s assertive yet warm personality made him a beloved figure among colleagues and subjects. Even in social settings, he was engaging and generous, remembering personal details about those he met. “Heinz Kluetmeier was one of the greatest photographers of our time,” said his former Sports Illustrated colleague Robert Beck.

“He was technically years ahead of his peers but he also understood that it was the emotions of the subjects he captured that really made his photography stand out.”

Kluetmeier’s legacy lives on through the thousands of iconic images he created over his prolific career. His dedication, innovation, and humanity continue to inspire photographers today.

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