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
Patrick Smith, Getty Images
Socket: (L-R) Cub Swanson punches Frankie Edgar in their featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at the Boardwalk Hall on April 21, 2018 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Second Place
Patrick Smith, Getty Images
Dasher: Leo Komarov #47 of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals battle for the puck during the third period in the Coors Light NHL Stadium Series at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Annapolis, Maryland.
Third Place
Alex Brandon, The Associated Press
Broken: Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith, left, breaks his tibia and fibula as he is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and strong safety Kareem Jackson during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in Landover, Md.
Award of Excellence
Kevin Dietsch, United Press International
Slalom Light: Austrian Stephanie Burnner competes in the Ladies' Giant Slalom at the Yongpyong Alpine Centre in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on February 15, 2018.
Award of Excellence
Geoff Burke, Freelance for USA TODAY Sports
leap to pass: Oct 18, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. (5) passes the ball as Washington Wizards forward Jason Smith (14) defends in the second half at Capital One Arena.