A series of sports pictures that depicts a story line or single theme. 12 photos maximum per story. A picture story depicting the President of the United States, other U.S. politicians, or U.S. politics is NOT eligible in this category.
First Place
Patrick Smith, Getty Images
The World Cup: With a global following - and considered one of the biggest sporting events on the planet - there is nothing like the World Cup. From iconic celebrations to stunning goals - there is no wondering why fans flock to the venues to catch every 90 minute match.
Second Place
Jahi Chikwendiu, The Washington Post
Our Call Is To Save Them: Gun violence in New Orleans has given champion football coach Brice Brown one mission: keep his players alive. In 2017, there were 589 shootings in New Orleans. By the end of 2016, there had been 486 shootings in the city. The final seven months of 2016 were especially bloody, with 390 people being shot, according to data collected by New Orleans-based crime analyst Jeff Asher. Particularly alarming is the consistency of shootings in the nation’s 49th-largest city — New Orleans is one of nine U.S. cities with at least 100 murders in each of the past 49 years, though it’s the only one of those with fewer than 600,000 residents — and that shots can ring out seemingly at any time, in any part of town.
Third Place
Kevin Lamarque, Reuters
Hockey...the way nature intended: Hockey, the way nature intended. Players from around the country of all ages and abilities make the pilgrimage to take part in the U.S. Pond Hockey Championship in Minneapolis. Pond hockey represents a return to nature, and a return to the very roots of the game. For many it is a reminder of their youth and simpler times. Whatever the reason, thousands descend upon the lake here for the sheer love of hockey on nature's rink.
Award of Excellence
Doug Mills, The New York Times
The Quietest Place at the Olympics: The 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang have been defined by punishing cold and howling winds. Outside, the jumpers practice their jumps. But in the ski jump start house, nearly 3,000 feet above sea level, it’s eerily silent. The room is packed with jumpers — brave men preparing to launch themselves some 450 feet through the air — but no one speaks. No one smiles. On the very long, tight elevator ride, there is no banter, just quiet concentration. When they finally reach the top, it’s time for business. Each jumper has his own unique routine — some stretch, some squat with their arms reaching back, some jump in place, even on the extremely steep and narrow stairs above the platform. There’s no fear of heights in this group.
Award of Excellence
Katherine Frey, The Washington Post
Seven Seven: Seven-foot-7 at 17 Robert Bobroczkyi is a unique basketball project — and a high schooler trying to fit in. The Romanian teenager, who is fluent in several languages, is a stellar student and hopes to one day play basketball in the NBA.
Award of Excellence
Matt McClain, The Washington Post
Vintage Baseball: Every year, baseball purists participate in a tournament that pays tribute to the roots of the game. Using game rules from 1863, players don vintage uniforms and play in an open field. This is the National 19th Century Base Ball Festival in Gettysburg, PA.