Women Sport Australia announces annual photographic prize winners

Celebrating outstanding achievements in basketball, pole vaulting, and athletics, the 2023 Women in Sport Photo Action Award winners have been announced by Women Sport Australia (WSA),

In the Professional category, James Gourley claimed first place with his captivating photograph of the Belgium v Puerto Rico match at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

Olivier Rachon won in the amateur category with his remarkable shot titled ‘Reaching New Height’s, which captured Elyssia Kenshole clearing the bar at the Victorian Open Track and Field Championships.

The Emerging Photographer category saw Emma Hoppo emerge as the winner with her impressive on-court capture of Abby Cubillo from the Adelaide Lightning.

This category specifically invited photographers under 21 to submit their images, and the judges were amazed by the high quality of the entries across all three categories.

Michael Willson, Chief AFL Photographer, praised James Gourley’s winning shot, stating “this image grabbed the judges’ attention from the beginning.”

Willson commended the photograph’s technical precision, interesting angle, unique composition, and overall striking impact, making it a bold and captivating sports photograph.

Matt Blyth’s ‘The Don’t Argue Fend’ and Daniel Pockett’s ‘Gritty Finish’ secured the runners-up positions in the professional category.

Among the amateurs, Fred Etter’s photograph of pole vaulter Eliza McCartney and Malcolm Trees’ sea-sprayed capture of the IRB Australian Titles in Mollymook, NSW, earned them the runners-up accolades.

However, it was Olivier Rachon’s winning shot that truly stood out for the judges.

Emily Benamar, News Corp’s Head of Digital Sport, expressed her admiration for Rachon’s photograph, commenting “we felt this shot totally encapsulated the brief of the competition and delivered such drama in its angles and perspective.”

Benamar praised the stunning lighting, consistent colour scheme, and the ability of the background to allow the action to speak for itself, contributing to the image’s overall appeal.

The Emerging category winner, Cassie Trotter, co-founder of Australian Women in Photography (AUSWIP) and Senior Director of Editorial Content at Getty Images, commended Emma Hoppo’s winning entry for showcasing the athletes’ skill and strength, along with the photographer’s keen eye for capturing action against a clean background.

In addition to her victory, Hoppo also secured a runner-up position with her capture of Perth Lynx basketballer Lauren Mansfield.

Jacob Gower also made it to the top three with his photograph from the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst.

The People’s Choice Award, sponsored by News Corp, generated significant public participation over a two-week voting period.

The winners of this award were Daniel Pockett’s ‘Bubble’ in the Professional category and Alexander Bogatyrev’s ‘Reach Out’ in the Amateur category.

Now in their fifth year, the awards aim to generate greater recognition and respect for the power and athleticism of women actively participating in sports.

The 2023 Women in Sport Photo Action Awards Winners:

Professional
1st: James Gourley
2nd: Matt Blyth
3rd: Daniel Pockett

Amateur:
1st: Olivier Rachon
2nd: Malcolm Trees
3rd: Fred Etter

Emerging
1st: Emma Hoppo
2nd: Jacob Gower
3rd: Emma Hoppo

News Corp People’s Choice
Professional: Daniel Pockett
Amateur: Alexander Bogatyrev

For more information go to www.womensportaustralia.com.au/wispaa

Images: James Gourley’s winning entry in the Professional category showing action from the Belgium v Puerto Rico match at last year’s FIBA Women’s (top), Olivier Rachon's 'Reaching New Heights' won in the Amateur category (middle) and Daniel Pockett’s ‘Bubble’ won in the People's Choice Professional category (below). Images courtesy of Women Sport Australia.