The 2023 Women in Sport Photo Action Award winners have been announced by Women Sport Australia (WSA), celebrating outstanding achievements in basketball, pole vaulting, and athletics.
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 secured the crown in the amateur category with his remarkable shot titled “Reaching New Heights,” 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, stating, “We felt this shot totally encapsulated the brief of the competition and delivered such drama in its angles and perspective.” She praised the stunning lighting, consistent color 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, Emma Hoppo, hails from South Australia and impressed the judges with her exceptional skills. Cassie Trotter, Co-Founder of Australian Women in Photography (AUSWIP) and Senior Director of Editorial Content at Getty Images, commended 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, Emma 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.
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
With #WISPAA now in its fifth year, the event aims to generate greater recognition and respect for the power and athleticism of women actively participating in sports.
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Photo Courtesy Women Sport Australia
Courtesy Women Sport Australia