A picture that shows participation in a game or sports event. Peak-action pictures during competitive events should be included in this category.
First Place
Doug Mills, The New York Times
Gold Vault: All around team - Gold medal winner Simone Biles hits the vault backwards at the Olympic Gymnastics venue in Rio Brazil, Tuesday Aug. 9, 2016.
Second Place
Patrick Smith, Getty Images
Eye Check: Ashley Yoder accidentally gouges the eye of Justine Kish in their women's strawweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at the Times Union Center on December 9, 2016 in Albany, New York.
Third Place
Carlos Barria, Reuters
Gold Medal: Artur Akhmatkhuzin of Russia competes with Enzo Lefort of France during 2016 Rio Olympics Fensing Men's Foil Team Gold Medal Match at Carioca Arena 3 in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, August 12, 2016
Award of Excellence
Alex Brandon, The Associated Press
Oh Puck: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, from Russia, keeps his eye on the puck with St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91), from Russia, behind, in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 26, 2016, in Washington.
Award of Excellence
Patrick Smith, Getty Images
One to the Chin: Lucian Bute of Canada (right) is punched by Badou Jack of Sweden in their WBC super middleweight championship bout at the DC Armory on April 30, 2016 in Washington, DC.
Award of Excellence
Patrick Smith, Getty Images
Dragged Along: Aram Keshgegian #5 of St. Joesph (left) eludes Shane Demsey #2 of Arizona during Day 1 of the Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championships at Talen Energy Stadium on June 4, 2016 in Chester, Pennsylvania.