Those amazing shots: Olympians captured from above, an airborne view of the most challenging of competitions, from gymnastics to track.

Divers descending gracefully. Swimmers cutting through the clear water, their faces etched with determination, caught mid-stroke by a camera meticulously set up at the bottom of the pool.

How does that get done, anyway? Are there actual photographers lying underwater, looking up? Are there multiple photojournalists wandering the catwalks at events? Is it robotics?

Since the London Games in 2012, a combination of robotics, ingenuity and creativity has been used to make memorable photos from difficult places.

The intricate setup – reconnaissance begins months beforehand and setup takes place many weeks in advance – ensures that the world catches glimpses of Olympians in ways it might otherwise never see.

In London, the original connection to the camera was a physical cable from wherever it was. Everything was wired together; it had to be a direct connection. And then it evolved to being able to do it over a network.

In Tokyo 2020, all robotics could be controlled from anywhere in the world.

 Erriyon Knighton, of the US, wins his heat during a qualification round of the men's 200-meter at the 2020 Olympics. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Tara Davis of the US competes during the finals of the women's long jump at the 2020 Olympics. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Simone Biles of the US performs on the uneven bars during women's artistic gymnastic qualifications at the 2020 Olympics. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Australia's Kyle Chalmers dives in at the start of a 100-meter freestyle heat at the 2020 Olympics. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)