The Independent's award-winning former chief sports photographer, David Ashdown, has passed away at the age of 75. The celebrated photojournalist, whose career defined an era of sports imagery, died on 23 December 2025.
A Storied Career from Keystone to The Independent
Ashdown's remarkable journey in photography began in 1968 as a motorcycle messenger for Keystone Press. He honed his craft by capturing pop groups and motorcycle races in his spare time. His professional breakthrough came a decade later when he joined the Daily Star in 1978, covering both sport and news.
His defining move was joining The Independent and The Independent on Sunday at their launch in 1986. Appointed as chief sports photographer, he became a cornerstone of the newspaper's visual identity. Ashdown served the publication until his retirement after the London 2012 Olympics, making him the longest-serving staff sports photographer across all national newspapers at the time.
An Unmatched Legacy of Iconic Imagery
Over a 43-year career, Ashdown's lens captured history. His portfolio was vast, from clearing ordnance with the Royal Navy on the Suez Canal in 1973 to covering the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977. Yet, it was in sport where his genius truly shone.
He covered eight Olympic Games, 40 Wimbledon Championships, and countless football, rugby, and cricket matches. His fearless approach to getting the perfect shot was legendary. At the Barcelona 1992 Olympics, he shot from an unofficial position to capture Linford Christie's 100m gold from a unique angle. He repeated the feat for Usain Bolt's historic 100m win in Beijing 2008.
His iconic photograph of England cricketers sliding across a waterlogged Oval in 2005 earned him the nickname 'Splashdown'. His trophy cabinet was overflowing, including European Sports Photographer of the Year 1993, SJA Sports Photographer of the Year in 1987 and 1990, and the International Olympic Committee Best of Sport Award in 1990.
Tributes to a Decent and Skilled Colleague
The Independent's editor-in-chief, Geordie Greig, led the tributes. He praised Ashdown as a 'significant and memorable photographer' present from the paper's dawn. 'I salute David’s skill and dignity and decency, all key qualities in life, and of which he had plenty,' Greig stated.
His daughter, Libby, confirmed his passing shortly after his 75th birthday. The newspaper had previously celebrated his immense contribution with a special feature, 'Hot Shots worth a Thousand Words', in 2012, marking 25 years of his exceptional work. David Ashdown's legacy is one of unparalleled visual storytelling, capturing the raw emotion and defining moments of global sport for generations.
