Photography Shortlist

A year ago Clive Mason of Getty Images swept the board at the British Sports Journalism Awards, winning the Ed Lacey Trophy for SJA Sports Photographer of the Year, sponsored by Canon, and also taking the Sports Picture of the Year and Specialist Sports Portfolio awards.

This year's shortlist is published today and ten-time SJA award winner Mason figures again in Specialist Portfolio. There are familiar and new names on show, and a once-in-four-years category to recognise the Olympic/Paralympic cycle while the Sports News Picture is back after an eight-year absence. There is also a new chair of photography judges, Alastair Grant of Associated Press.

“It was a difficult year to be a photographer," said Grant. "For the second year running access was curtailed due to the ongoing pandemic. That meant pooling of positions, photographers struggling to get work, but I hope you will see here that it was possible to achieve some amazing images. And all who entered I thank you and please continue to do so for it make the judges job harder. And that’s a good thing.”

After last year's virtual ceremony, we are back to normal! The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony taking place at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on Monday 7 March 2022. Tickets and tables are available to purchase.

The winner of the Young Sports Photographer of the year will be announced on the SJA website on February 28. The winner and all those shortlisted will be invited to attend the awards as a guest of the SJA and Canon.

The full gallery of all the shortlisted photos is below, click the photographer to see the full portfolio.