A perfect moment of tennis player saving a butterfly wins 2022 World Sports Photography Awards

The World Sports Photography Awards has published the results of its third annual contest. And just like last year, the winning image captures the perfect moment that shows us a lot more than a sports game.

Sports photographer David Gray took the shot at the 2021 Australian Open. The stunning photo captures a moment of tennis player Naomi Osaka saving a butterfly that had landed on her skirt. With perfect timing, composition, and story, it’s no wonder that David’s image was selected as the best of the best.

This image is one of 24 winners across sports categories including American Football, Basketball, Cycling, Gymnastics, and Football. More than 7,000 images were submitted to the awards from professional sports photographers around the world.

Speaking about the image World Sports Photography Awards, Co-Founder, Simon Burton said, “This is a breath-taking image. Sports Photography captures special moments and tells unique stories, but most of all it draws you in and reveals the unexpected. It forces you to look again and reconsider.”

In a way, David’s winning photo reminded me of last year’s winner (and not just because it was also taken at a tennis match). It shows a moment that says a lot about what happens “behind” the game, and that’s what I love about it. As the contest jury explains, “it reveals a delicate moment reflecting the beauty and power within sport.” In fact, I could say this about many other category winners of the World Sports Photography Awards. And this is why it’s a contest I highly admire despite the fact that sports photography isn’t my favorite genre.

Take a look at the category winners below and make sure to visit the contest’s website to see the top ten winners in every sporting category.

More from World Sports Photography Awards

• Photo of a sweat droplet is the best sports photo of 2021
• A perfect moment of tennis player saving a butterfly wins 2022 World Sports Photography Awards
• A “heavenly” shot of a golfer in the clouds wins 2023 World Sports Photography Awards
• Perfectly timed gymnast photo wins World Sports Photography Awards 2024
• “Flying” Olympic surfer wins 2025 World Sports Photography Awards

© Clive Rose/Getty Images

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