World Sports Photography Awards 2022

Naomi Osaka and her butterfly friend get the gold at the third World Sports Photography Awards. Join us as we take a look at our favourites

As the only global awards for sports photography, the competition at the World Sports Photography Awards is fierce. Judged by leading figures from sport, media, brand and creative, it is designed to recognise and celebrate incredible sporting moments and those who capture them. Telling compelling stories of emotion, passion, athleticism and focus, the Awards exposes the very heart of sport.

This year, Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka found herself at the epicentre, snapped by sports photographer David Gray at the 2021 Australian Open. The photo depicts a delicate moment in shadow between Osaka and a butterfly, reflecting the beauty and power within sport, while telling a unique story.

Gray’s was one of 24 winning images, across categories including American Football, Basketball, Cycling, Gymnastics and Football. Over 7,000 images were submitted into the awards from professional sports photographers around the world.

There is little more compelling than the tangling of emotion and determination in action sports, especially when frozen in a moment. Photography speaks to audiences without need for interpretation or explanation. Immediate and powerful, it transcends language, culture and physical borders.

For more information and to view the full range of images, head to the WSPOTY website.