A feature or reaction picture that is sports related. Reaction by participants or fans, or reaction by competitors away from the action (even if still on the field of play) should be included in this category.
First Place
Doug Mills, The New York Times
Gold Teardrop: USA’s Michael Phelps has a teardrop under his eye as he kisses his 20th gold medal following the men’s 200 butterfly at the Olympics in Rio Brazil, Tuesday Aug. 9, 2016.
Second Place
David Burnett, Contact Press Images / IOC
Egyptian Synchro Swimmers practice for the Rio Games: Rio 2016 Olympics Morning Synch Swimming training for Team Egypt.
Third Place
Mark Goldman, Icon Sportswire
Gatorade Bath: 15 June 2016: Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) flips his hair after getting doused with liquid after his walk off RBI single against the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. where the Washington Nationals defeated the Chicago Cubs, 5-4 in twelve innings.
Award of Excellence
Kevin Dietsch, UPI
Respect: Los Angeles Dodgers Josh Reddick (C) and teammates spit beer into the air as they celebrate winning the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. on October 13, 2016. The Dodgers defeated the Nationals 4-3 in game 5.
Award of Excellence
Patrick Smith, Getty Images
Hometown Hero: Devon Allen, first place, crosses the finish line to win the Men's 110 Meter Hurdles Final during the 2016 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials at Hayward Field on July 9, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon.
Award of Excellence
Aude Guerrucci, Freelance for CNN
Untitled: The US junior synchronized swimming team works on its routine, June 1, 2016, in Santa Clara, California. More than half of the routine is spend under the water. They will compete in July for the Junior World Championship in Kazan, Russia.
Award of Excellence
Jonathan Newton, The Washington Post
2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials-Swimming: Kathleen Baker leaps into the arms of Olivia Smoliga after they finished first and second in the 100m backstroke final during U.S. Olympic swim trials guaranteeing them a spot on the Olympic team on June 28, 2016 in Omaha, NE.