Gael Monfils of France dives for a forehand in his fourth round match against Andrey Kuznestov of Russia, during the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park, Australia, on Jan. 25, 2016.Cameron Spencer—Getty Images, winner in the Sports - Second Prize, Singles category.
With spectacular wins and even more spectacular falls, the Grand National is one of sport’s most dramatic events. This is reflected in Tom Jenkins’ photograph of Jockey Nina Carberry’s theatrical tumble at this year’s race, which won First Prize in the Sports Singles category at the World Press Photo awards.
Kai Oliver Pfaffenbach’s photograph of a grinning Usain Bolt clinching gold at the Men’s 100m seemed to encapsulate the vitality and joy of the Olympic Games and won Third Place in the same category.
Giovanni Capriotti’s unconventional portrayal of Rugby players, which throws macho stereotyping out the window, won First Prize for the Stories category. Meanwhile, the intensity and pleasure of competitive chess was thoughtfully drawn by Michael Hanke, whose series, which won Second Prize in the same category, shows that excitement can be found off the pitch too.
The winning photographs were selected from among 80,408 images submitted by 5,034 photographers from 125 different countries. In the end, 45 photographers from 25 countries made up the winning list. They will receive their awards at a ceremony in Amsterdam on April 22.
Jockey Nina Carberry flies off her horse Sir Des Champs as they fall at The Chair fence during the Grand National steeplechase during day three of the Grand National Meeting at Aintree Racecourse on April 9, 2016 in Liverpool, England.Tom Jenkins—The Guardian, winner in the Sports - First Prize, Singles category.Gael Monfils of France dives for a forehand in his fourth round match against Andrey Kuznestov of Russia, during the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park, Australia, on Jan. 25, 2016.Cameron Spencer—Getty Images, winner in the Sports - Second Prize, Singles category.Jamaika's Usain Bolt smiles as he looks back while winning his 100m semi-final race at the Rio 2016 Olympics on Aug. 14, 2006 in Rio de Janeiro. Kai Oliver Pfaffenbach—Reuters, winner in the Sports - Third Prize, Singles category.Muddy York Rugby Football Club's player Michael Smith carries the ball against the Nashville Grizzlies during the semi final of the Hoagland Shield on Saturday May 29, 2016, at the Ted Rhodes Park, in Nashville, Tennessee. Giovanni Capriotti, winner in the Sports - First Prize, Stories
category.Muddy York Rugby Football Club players Michael Smith, left, Devin McCarney, centre, and Jean Paul Markides are photographed during a rehearsal for their performance at the annual team's fundraiser drag show on Saturday Nov. 5, 2016, in Toronto. Giovanni Capriotti, winner in the Sports - First Prize, Stories category.Muddy York Rugby Football Club's player Jean Paul Markides (left) kisses his partner and teammate Kasimir Kosakowski during the pride parade on July 3, 2016, in Toronto.Giovanni Capriotti, winner in the Sports - First Prize, Stories category.The New York Gotham Knights players celebrate their Bingham Plate win over the London King's Cross Steelers on May 29, 2016, at the Ted Rhodes Park, in Nashville, Tennessee.Giovanni Capriotti, winner in the Sports - First Prize, Stories category.The chess player concentrates just a few moments before the start of the next round of a tournament.Michael Hanke, winner in the Sports - Second Prize, Stories category.Trainers and parents watch the course of a chess game.Michael Hanke, winner in the Sports - Second Prize, Stories category.The chess player expresses his emotions during a game of chess.Michael Hanke, winner in the Sports - Second Prize, Stories category.Two participants of the tournament at the end of a tournament round.Michael Hanke, winner in the Sports - Second Prize, Stories category.With the aid of chains purchased at the hardware store and deadlift straps, Lindsay performs snatches under the watchful eye of coach and co-owner of CrossFit OnSide Jenny Jeffries in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on July 8, 2016.Darren Calabrese, winner in the Sports - Third Prize, Stories category.Lindsay stands on a step stool while making coffee early in the morning in her home in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on Sept. 18, 2016.Darren Calabrese, winner in the Sports - Third Prize, Stories category.Lindsay Hilton, born without hands or feet, wraps around a competitor's leg to make a tackle during a rugby club tournament in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on July 23, 2016.Darren Calabrese, winner in the Sports - Third Prize, Stories category.Lindsay lays at rest in the gym before finishing her workout in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on June 27, 2016.Darren Calabrese, winner in the Sports - Third Prize, Stories category.
