Tom Theobald was one of the most well-known rhythmic gymnastics photographers until a car accident took him away on 28 December 2018. He was only 66 years of age then.
An excerpt of Tom’s accident from Rhythmic Gymnastics Facebook page:
“According to the report of San Diego Medical Examiner, Tom was driving his car near Warner Springs when an oncoming pickup tried to pass another vehicle and crashed into him head-on. He was airlifted to hospital, never regained consciousness and passed away from his grave injuries.”
Tom Theobald was actively photographing the US Rhythmic Gymnastics team for years. Now, how did he join the Rhythmic Gymnastics family? His prologue to this sport is one of his favourite stories, as extracted from his Facebook page:
“GWG 1998 was my first major after 10-years away. I was working next to Patrick Tower (may God bless him in heaven now).
Tamara came on and performed the gala you see here. This was film era still and took a whole roll, because I knew it was really special. So special, I had goosebumps during her gala.
Afterward, I turned to Patrick and said, “Something just happened to me”! Years later, I told Toma that she changed me... ”
It was Tamara Yerofeyeva, the leading Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast then, who brought Tom Theobald into Rhythmic Gymnastics. Subsequently, it is Tom Theobald who brought me to Rhythmic Gymnastics four years ago.
And I've stayed ever since.
Yes, I owe this to Tom.
I couldn’t remember the exact photograph by Tom that leads me to this beautiful sport, although I am quite certain it is Anna Bessonova (UKR) in her swan lake hoop routine:
Since then, I’ve been closely following his work and am eventually introduced to many other wonderful photographers.
Four years later, I launched my first blog (yup, you're reading it now), developed more Rhythmic Gymnastics digital artwork and finally an Instagram account: rhythmic.palette!
I love Rhythmic Gymnastics! I love my blog, I love my artwork; I enjoy all that I’m doing.
Therefore, in general: yes, I owe this to Tom.
If it weren’t for his photography, I may not be where I am today. This sport will be merely another Olympic sport that I’ll skip watching.
My blog will probably be more boring than it already is (LOL). My rhythmic.palette account will not even cease to exist!
My profession is not anywhere close to the sport, however, I am proud of this hobby and interest.
All thanks to his photographs too, I can observe and analyse the many facets of rhythmic gymnastics throughout the years.
Not only about the technology advancement and photograph quality, but also the sport's evolution and leotard design changes. These led me to two blog snippets that I can elaborate later *if procrastination doesn't get me first*:
Thence. Thank you, Tom.
Rest in peace.
And God bless.
Signing out,
mypassion.mythoughts
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Cover image information:
"Tamara Yerofeyeva" by Tom Theobald via Facebook
Other images information:
"Tom Theobald" by Ulrich Fassbender via Facebook
Profile picture of Tom Theobald's Facebook page
Images information:
Various palettes by mypassion.mythoughts / rhythmic.palette
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