From the gravity-defying grace of gymnast Simone Biles to bodies falling to the floor in a wheelchair basketball match, sensational shots from the Paris Olympics and Paralympics feature strongly in the showpiece Picture category at the SJA British Sports Journalism Awards 2024.​

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In announcing the shortlists for the Photography section, sponsored by Canon UK, chair of judges Paul Ellis described the Picture selection as a particular “delight” as he praised his industry colleagues for producing another stellar set of entries.

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With the Olympic and Paralympic Portfolio category also returning to the line-up, there are seven shortlists in total - and at the end of the Awards gala night on Monday 24 March, one stand-out snapper will also be named the SJA Sports Photographer of the Year, taking home the prestigious Ed Lacey Trophy.

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Last year’s winner of the top prize was Justin Setterfield, one of nine to have previously got their hands on a “Lacey” who occupies at least one spot on a shortlist this time around.

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Meanwhile, three former winners of the Young Sports Photographer (YSP) prize - Naomi Baker, Alex Pantling and Morgan Harlow - are among those in the running for a Picture or Portfolio award. 

Another encouraging indicator of industry progress is that women’s representation moves into double figures on the shortlists this year.

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