Co Rentmeester, born in Amsterdam, is one of the most important photojournalists and sports photographers of the 20th century. Before he began his career behind the camera, he participated as a rower for the Netherlands in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. He later worked for magazines such as LIFE, documenting international events – from the Vietnam War and the Olympic Games to portraits of outstanding personalities. He received several awards from World Press Photo for his photographic work.

In 1984, one of his most famous shots was taken in Chapel Hill: Michael Jordan appears to be floating towards a basket, legs wide apart and a basketball held high. Rentmeester had specially developed the unusual pose, reminiscent of a ballet leap, for the shoot and staged Jordan accordingly. The photograph was published in LIFE and is considered the visual starting point for one of the most famous silhouettes in sports and brand history – Nike's later "Jumpman."