Sports Photographer of the Year revealed

Getty Images celebrates as a number of its photographers win awards. Find out who the winners are, and see their winning images

More than 600 guests were at the gala dinner for the 2018 British Sports Journalism Awards, on 25 February, hosted by sports presenter Jim Rosenthal, including ten places given by one of the sponsors, the National Lottery, to next-generation journalists. Getty Images photographer Mark Thompson was announced as Sports Photographer of the Year, as well as winning the best Sport Picture of the Year with this shot of a crash during the Formula One Grand Prix of Belgium, in August last year.

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Fernando Alonso of Spain driving the (14) McLaren F1 Team MCL33 Renault crashes with Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team C37 Ferrari at the start during the Formula One Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on 26 August 2018 in Spa, Belgium.

Other Getty Images winners included Julian Finney who won Football Portfolio of the Year and the Canon Sports Portfolio of the year.

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Neymar of Paris Saint-Germain reacts after Kylian Mbappe scores his team’s second goal during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on 18 September 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

The Young Photographer of the Year award went to Getty Images photographer Naomi Baker.

Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Kim Bui of Germany competes during the Uneven Bars Final on day four of the European Championships Glasgow 2018 at The SSE Hydro on 5 August 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Speaking on the competition the judges had this to say:
“The quality of entries in this year’s Awards was of a very high standard and has been incredibly competitive in a fantastic year for sports pictures. This photographer’s portfolio stood out in terms of creativity, composition and great action.

“Thommo, as he is fondly known throughout the industry, has been at the forefront of Formula One photography at Getty Images for over 20 years and to this day still hasn’t missed a race. He knows everyone in the F1 paddock and has built relationships with drivers, teams, media and the FIA, giving him a great understanding of the sport.

“One dramatic picture of Fernando Alonso of McLaren crashing with Charles Leclerc of Alfa Romeo Sauber at the start of the Belgian Grand Prix was simply stunning and made not only back pages but also front pages around the world. In a split second during the adrenalin of the first corner at Circuit de Spa Francorchamps Mark captured an incredible picture that showcases peak action sports photography. Astonishingly Charles Leclerc survived the crash and Thommo continues to capture these iconic images.”

You can see more of Mark’s images from his winning portfolio below.

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Daniel Ricciardo of Australia driving the (3) Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB14 TAG Heuer makes a pit stop for new tyres during the Formula One Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on 15 April 2018 in Shanghai, China.

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes WO9 on track during practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on 26 October 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico.

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates in parc ferme during the Formula One Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on 29 July 2018 in Budapest, Hungary.

For more information, please visit the official Sports Journalists website.