County Down Born Photographer gets Special Merit Award in 2024 World Sports Photography Awards

A photographer who grew up near Kilkeel has won a Special Merit Award in the prestigious 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. 

Photographer Gareth Quinn who now lives in London won his award for his 'Circle Classic Juniors' black and white capture at the Cicle Classic bike race.

Gareth explains on his website how his cycling interest started: "My appreciation for cycling started at a young age growing up on a hill farm in Ireland. Dad was always out and about so to go to friends’ houses or to play hurling at our local club in town, I needed transport. 

"My uncle Jim owned a bike shop in Kilkeel; the local town and I received my first bike around 4. The rural roads meant that safety wasn't an issue and I used my bike all the time."

A photograph of Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina, taken during the Surfing event at the 2024 Olympic Games in Teahupo’o, French Polynesia, has been awarded top honours at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. Captured by Tahiti-based French photographer Jerome Brouillet, the image highlights a remarkable moment from the third day of the competition.

This photograph is one of 24 winning images across various sports categories, including American Football, Baseball, Equestrian, Golf, Racquet Sports, and Football. This year’s awards saw over 2,200 professional sports photographers from 96 countries submit more than 13,000 images.

INFO Photographer Morgan Treacy also won a Special Merit Award for his incredible 'Jumps Racing' capture of a frog doing its own show jump at The Kilberry Apprentice Handicap at Navan Racecourse.

The World Sports Photography Awards are the only global awards dedicated exclusively to sports photography. The competition recognises the skill and creativity of professional photographers in capturing the emotion, athleticism, and dedication that define sport. Entries are judged by experts in sport, media, photography, and branding.

Sophie Collins, Chief Marketing Officer at MPB, a sponsor of the awards, commented: “As a judge and sponsor of the ‘World Sports Photography Awards,’ I am once again inspired by the extraordinary talent and creativity showcased in this year’s entries. Sports photography holds a unique power to freeze dynamic action and evoke profound emotion in a single frame, capturing stories that transcend the boundaries of the playing field. It’s been thrilling to see the innovation and passion from this year’s participants, setting a remarkable standard for the years to come.”

The full gallery of winning images, including the Top 10 in each category, can be viewed on the official World Sports Photography Awards website at www.worldsportsphotographyawards.com

Check out Gareth Quinn's photography at www.mightyquinnphotos.com and go to inpho.ie to check out Morgan's and other Irish Photographers skills.