The 2024 Women in Sport Photo Action Awards (WISPAA) have celebrated the incredible achievements of female athletes with the announcement of this year’s winners. The awards, presented by Women Sport Australia, recognize outstanding contributions in sports photography across three categories: Professional, Amateur, and Emerging.

Martin Keep emerged as the winner in the Professional category, sponsored by ISPT, with his striking photograph of Matilda Clare Hunt executing a header during a Matildas’ friendly match against France at MARVEL Stadium in 2023. This image, praised by AFL Chief Photographer Michael Willson for its perfect timing and dynamic composition, encapsulates the power and skill of women in sport.

In the Amateur category, Olivier Rachon secured a consecutive win with his photograph of Paralympian Vanessa Low during the long jump event at the Maurie Plant meet in February 2024. Rachon’s repeated success at the WISPAA underscores his exceptional talent and keen eye for capturing pivotal sports moments.

The Emerging category was won by Maya Thomson for her compelling image of Indigenous netballer Donnell Wallam from the opening round of the Suncorp Super Netball competition. News Corp Australia Sports Journalist Emma Greenwood lauded Thomson’s ability to freeze a crucial moment of competition, highlighting both the athlete’s prowess and the photographer’s skill.

This year’s awards saw 15 finalists in each category selected from a large pool of entries, with judges meticulously reviewing each submission to determine the winners. CODE Sports continued its support for the People’s Choice voting, with Dannion Hards receiving the most votes for his mid-wave photograph of Iron Woman Claudia Slaven at the Surf Lifesaving Australian Titles, and Bradley Redfern capturing the community’s interest with a dynamic shot of Olympic hopeful Jess Fox.

The winners were announced at the WISPAA Awards and Exhibition Event held at Flex by ISPT Collider in Sydney, Australia, marking another successful year in celebrating the excellence of women in sport through the lens of photography.

See the competition winners here: https://www.womensportaustralia.com.au/2024-winners-announced-for-the-women-in-sport-photo-action-awards/