Rob van Bommel | Sportscene - The photos we posted on the Sportscene Facebook page got millions of views but which ones made it to the top 3 in 2012? The photos that did best were definitely the non-action related depictions of our sport: 'Besides the action'. But why the moments that show paddlesports besides or short after the action?

We think the reason behind this is that the Sportscene Facebook page consists of a broad audience. One person might like for example freestyle and slalom or whitewater, the other sprint and or marathon. Generally speaking the hard core action photography appeals to certain groups and communities. More general themes such as emotion, a beautiful body, the atmosphere during the Olympic Games and so on, are appreciated and recognised by almost everyone regardless the paddlesport you prefer. 

The 2012 Top 3 on Facebook was decided by adding up (1) the number of 'likes', (2) the number of 'shares' and (3) the comments. All photos are Facebook-'unsponsored'.

1   JASMIN SCHORNBERG - 1684 Points

1263 likes, 370 shares and 51 comments. Thomas Kettner, the photographer, allowed us to post this photo of Jasmin Schornberg on our Facebook page. It was the first time we posted a photo like this on our page and the response was overwhelming with almost 80,000 (unsponsored) views in two days time. 

We were happily surprised by the positive response in contradiction to a few other other Facebook pages where we noticed quite conservative discussions taking place. The Sportscene community appreciated the body beautiful but foremost they  saw an elite athlete with a fantastic track record.  

Nevertheless we received a request to explain our position when publishing beautiful half dressed athletes... And of course we did: 'Culture of the body beautiful: posing canoe athletes'

2   FERNANDO PIMENTA & EMANUEL SILVA, LONDON 2012 - 1181 Points

655 likes, 494 shares and 32 comments. One could argue whether the Olympic Games are the most compelling search for excellence that exists in sport, or not. But if it comes to emotion I got the impression it must be.

I was enjoying this celebration by Fernando Pimenta and Emanuel Silva from Portugal so much I almost forgot to take photos. Luckily Fernando Pimenta showed a continues outburst of happiness, relief and whatever more. He just kept on going. 

At this very moment we witnessed something we all know: sport is beautiful. 

3   LEE VALLEY WHITEWATER CENTER, LONDON 2012 - 1120 Points

748 likes, 343 shares and 29 comments. This stadium felt like an arena filled with tension to the sky and the gladiators about to come battling the whitewater and the gates. To race in this stadium like 'any other' race, do your job and 'get the gold', is a major challenge and even as a photographer I couldn't avoid feeling some nervousness.

When this crowd starts to roar and even the ground is shaking, yes, again you know you are witnessing something we all know: sport is beautiful.   

SPORTSCENE'S PICK - AUSTRALIA vs HUNGARY and PETER KAUZER

London 2012 Olympic Games, K4 Final. It doesn't happen that often you can capture two extreme opposite emotions in one picture. Tate Smith in the Australian K4 screams of joy whereas Zoltan Kammerer from Hungary is heavily disappointed at that moment with not winning. I think that afterwards they were still really happy with their silver medal.

2012 Australian Open in Penrith, Australia. This photo was taken by Sportscene Contributor Heather Hankinson. When I look at it I can't avoid thinking this image shows the year 2012 in one picture. Peter is a fantastic athlete and wonderful person but 2012 didn't work out for him with an ultimate disappointment at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

On the other hand Peter and his partner Janja received a beautiful baby daughter after the Games and I can imagine he now knows what really matters in life.

Also: Top 3 action photos Sportscene Facebook page 2012