Women Sport Australia (WSA), the national advocacy body for women and girls in sport, are delighted to announce the finalists for the 2026 Women in Sport Photo Action Awards.
Netball, NRLW, water polo, wheelchair basketball and more have rounded out the finalist images for 2026. Over 600 images were entered by more than 160 photographers, marking a new record of entries for the awards.
VIEW ALL FINALIST IMAGES HERE.
The judging panel, made up of Michael Willson, Head of Photography at the AFL, Shane Tohl, Manager of Sporting Operations at Getty Images, Casey Sims, Media and Communications Officer at Oceania Athletics and Megan Hustwaite, sports journalist and MC had the momentous task of sifting through the images to select the finalists.
Casey Sims, a former two-time amateur winner of the awards, said it was a highlight to be able to be on the opposite side of the process.
"It was awesome to see such a diverse range of sports and stories captured through the competition. The images showcased the athleticism and skill of women across Australian Sport.”
“The quality of the photography was outstanding, reflecting the creativity and talent of those capturing women's sport from the sidelines."
PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY FINALISTS, presented by Deloitte
Georgia Paul - “Leap over Kudratova”
Daniel Pockett - “Leaping Heff”
Daisy Nitsch - “Hangtime”
Daisy Nitsch - “Pressure Point”
Martin Keep - “Fade to Black”
Jason McCawley - “Trampling Tiger”
Quinn Rooney - “Moesha's Moment”
Adam Crane - “Wave of Consequence”
Ben Levy - “Eyes on the ball”
Marina Neil - “Surging Sergis Soars”
AMATEUR CATEGORY FINALISTS, presented by Nikon
Malcolm Trees - “Fingertips Finish”
Robert Artola - “Hit-up”
Robert Artola - “All for one, and one for all!”
Robert Artola - “You shall not pass”
Vanessa Hafner - “XXXX Chairs Challenge DAY 2”
Elyse Hudson - “Eyes on the Ball”
Fred Etter - “World Champion puts on a masterclass”
Fred Etter - “Sydney University NSW State Championships”
Jonah Mercieca - “Visual Proprioception”
Jonah Mercieca - “Flying Silhouette”
FEMALE CATEGORY FINALISTS, presented by Camera House
Mackenzie Sweetnam - “Alexandria Perkins - 2026 Australian Open Swimming”
Mackenzie Sweetnam - “Naomi Gibson - 2026 Australian Athletics UniSport Championship”
Mackenzie Sweetnam - “Kaylee Mckeown - 2026 Australian Open Swimming”
Georgia Paul - "Leap over Kudratova"
Daisy Nitsch - "Hangtime"
Daisy Nitsch - "Flying Fish"
Daisy Nitsch - "Pressure Point"
Maya Thompson - "A GIANT looms"
Vanessa Hafner - "XXXX Chairs Challenge DAY 2"
Elyse Hudson - "Eyes on the Ball"
VIEW ALL FINALIST IMAGES HERE.
#WISPAA will be supported by The Female Athlete Project as a media partner, collaborating on the People’s Choice Award 2026, once again highlighting the importance of strong visual and editorial narratives about women in sport. Voting will open for the People’s Choice award next week.
#WISPAA aims to generate greater recognition and respect for the power, strength and athleticism of Australian women actively participating in sport.
More information about #WISPAA can be found at https://www.womensportaustralia.com.au/wispaa/
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