Finalists announced for 2026 World Athletics Photograph of the Year
by 9th October 2026
Three finalists for the Photograph of the Year award have been selected ahead of the World Athletics Awards 2026.
From the 146 images that were submitted, a panel of judges – comprising sprint superstar Usain Bolt, multiple global medallist Dawn Harper-Nelson, photographer and Paris 2024 photo chief Pascal Rondeau, athletics photographer and filmmaker Dan Vernon, and World Athletics digital creative manager Christel El Saneh – narrowed the entries to 10 shortlisted images before deciding on the three finalists.
A fan vote will be held on World Athletics’ social media channels from 9-15 November to help determine the winner.
Photographers from 64 countries across all six continental areas submitted entries.
The shortlisted images will form part of a digital exhibition on the World Athletics website that will go live later this month.
The winning photograph will be announced on World Athletics’ platforms as part of the World Athletics Awards 2026.
THE FINALISTS
Tom Jenkins
‘Men's 4x100m finish silhouette’
The finish of the men’s 4x100m relay final during the athletics competition at the Scotstoun Stadium on day nine of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Gaëlle Mobuchon
‘Chasing light’
Rai Benjamin of USA competes in the men's 400m final at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
Victor Seco Muñoz
‘Your medal amidst water droplets’
The 3000m steeplechase final at the European Championships in Birmingham. The German athlete dominated the entire race but had the misfortune of stumbling at the final water jump. You can see her sense of helplessness as the victory – or a medal – slips away. It is a magical moment captured in the photograph, yet a truly difficult one for the athlete.
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tom Jenkins (GBR)
Tom Jenkins has been a professional sports photographer in the UK since 1989. He has worked for the Guardian since 1990, covering sport both nationally and internationally.
Gaëlle Mobuchon (FRA)
Gaëlle Mobuchon has been a freelance photographer since 2022, specialising in sports photography, particularly athletics. Beyond movement and performance, her aim is to tell a story through photography, capturing the person behind the athlete, their emotions and the moments that make sport so special. She strives to bring creativity and a personal perspective to every image.
Victor Seco Muñoz (ESP)
Victor Seco Muñoz is a photographer specialising in sports, primarily athletics. His professional career began in 2019 and he currently works with major championships, magazines, sports brands and individual athletes. A former 1500m runner, now he strives to capture the perfect moment to be remembered.