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
Cheryl Diaz Meyer, Freelance
The man, the boxer, the Senator: Renowned Philippine boxer and Senator Manny Pacquiao, 40, has been dubbed the Fighter of the Decade, he is the only boxer to win titles in eight divisions. Closely allied with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Pacquiao is considered a top contender for the presidency who would likely continue the same policies such as the “War on Drugs” that has left some 20,000 dead in four years. He defeated Keith Thurman, a fighter 10 years his junior, in his most recent fight in Las Vegas, winning the Super Welterweight Championship. The hero to many may soon take on a bloodier fight.
Second Place
Patrick Smith, Getty Images
Lima: Let's Play: More than 6,500 athletes from 41 nations descended on Lima, Peru for the PanAmerican Games. With colorful backdrops and iconic moments, athletes competed for goal in an effort to gear up for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Third Place
Jabin Botsford, The Washington Post
Same Name, New World: After leading an anti-government, incestual, polygamous cult under the religious moniker, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), Warren Jeffs is serving a life sentence behind bars. The Utah town he left behind grasps to achieve what most American towns take for granted – public school systems and local elections. James Jeffs, nephew to Warren Jeffs, helps to usher in a new era through sports. The team didn’t exist two years ago, but young Jeffs’ discovered a skill in basketball, leading his team to the state tournament games and giving the town something new to unify them.
Award of Excellence
Matt McClain, The Washington Post
Backyard Fights: In order to keep disputes from causing violence in the community, Chris “Scarface” Wilmore started Streetbeefs a decade ago. The monthly fighting events, that meet in a homeowners country field in Virginia, gives people the chance to settle their problems in the ring with boxing, mixed martial arts and kick boxing. There are also matches that don't involve a grudge.