19 March 2008
Gareth Copley named Sports Photographer of the Year
Press Association photographer, Gareth Copley won acclaim as Sports Photographer of the Year at the British Sports Journalism Awards. He also won the Specialist Sports Portfolio prize.
The awards were presented in front of a record audience of over 400 journalists, at the event run by the Sports Journalists’ Association, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
Delighted with the award, Gareth said:
“It’s the first time I’ve entered the awards and I wasn’t expecting to win. I entered a selection of cricket photos from my time covering the Sri Lanka tour, the Ashes and home games this year. Cricket is by far my favourite sport to photograph - I could take photos of cricket 365 days a year! It’s more tranquil than football. You get some great crowds and unusual visitors on the field, like the picture I took of Lasith Malinga in Sri Lanka with the dog on the pitch!”
Press Association Editor in Chief Tony Watson said, “To come away with the top photographic award is a great achievement.”
Group Picture Editor Martin Keene echoed Tony’s sentiments, saying, “It is a fantastic achievement to have won such an award in the face of such strong competition.”
You can see Gareth’s award winning portfolio here. Gareth will be part of the Press Association’s Olympic team this year in Beijing.