World Athletics Opened 2026 Photo Contest Applications
Professional photographers can now submit their best work from 2026 track and field events for consideration.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Track & Field
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World Athletics has officially launched the application process for its 2026 Photograph of the Year award. Eligible photographers must submit their entries online ahead of the October deadline to be considered by an expert panel.
Why it matters
The contest highlights the essential role of photography in capturing the history and athleticism of the sport. By involving a fan vote, the organization seeks to engage its global community with the most memorable imagery of the year.
Applicants are restricted to a maximum file size of 5MB per entry and must provide a biography not exceeding 50 words. A panel of five experts will narrow the submissions down to three finalists.
The players
World Athletics
This is the international governing body for the sports of athletics, which manages world records and major track and field championships.
Usain Bolt
He is a retired sprinter and world record holder who serves on the expert judging panel for the photography competition.
Christel El Saneh
She is an expert judge selected to evaluate the professional photography entries for the award.
Dawn Harper-Nelson
She is an Olympic gold medalist in track and field and a member of the expert judging panel.
Pascal Rondeau
He is one of the five experts tasked with reviewing submissions and selecting the finalists for this award.
The details
Participants are required to submit their work through an online form, including a caption, date, and technical specifications for each photo. Once the expert panel selects three finalists, the winner will be determined through a public vote hosted on the World Athletics Instagram channel.
Timeline
The application deadline is 11:59pm Monaco time on 30 October.
Three finalists will be revealed on 9 November.
A public fan vote will occur on Instagram from 9-15 November.
The winner of the competition will be announced on 28 November.
The World Athletics Awards will be held in Monaco on 29 November.
Season Trajectory
This competition follows a pattern set by the World Athletics Awards ceremony by celebrating excellence in athletics-related disciplines. It marks a continued effort by the organization to elevate the creative and media standards surrounding track and field seasons.
The public fan vote will take place from 9-15 November on the official World Athletics Instagram channel, directly allowing followers to determine the eventual winner. Photographers must ensure their files are under the 5MB limit to qualify for the selection process.
The takeaway
The competition offers a unique opportunity for sports photographers to gain international recognition for their coverage of the 2026 season. Those planning to participate should ensure all technical documentation is ready before the October 30 deadline.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments and honors within the sport on the Track & Field page.
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