The first AIPS Europe and European Athletics media awards for sports writing and photography have been handed out at a ceremony in Lausanne; Getty Images’ Michael Steele proved successful with an image of Italian shot putter Leonardo Fabbri, while PA’s Martin Rickett and The Sun’s Rob Maul were also recognised…
Michael Steele has picked up the Best Photographer Award at the European Athletics “Golden Tracks” ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The British photographer is one of two winners of the inaugural AIPS Europe and European Athletics Media Awards, recognising the Best Written Article and the Best Photographer from the most recent European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
Steele’s successful image of Italian shot putter Leonardo Fabbri in action was an example of a perfectly-timed photo.
The AIPS website said that the Getty Images photographer “captured an expressive moment involving Fabbri, with the athlete’s movement and a cloud of chalk combining to create a remarkable image.”
The Italian won the European gold medal for the second time in his career. Steele said of Fabbri: “He was very expressive, so he made the picture. It was just down to me to do my job properly and try to capture the moment. All the elements worked for me.”
The new awards, presented in association with AIPS Europe, also recognised outstanding written journalism, with Anais Brosseau of France Info / France TV Sport taking home the Best Written Article Award.
Her article titled “Fear in its most primal form”: When mental blocks interfere with the pole vaulting competition explored the phenomenon of how panic can suddenly paralyse pole vaulters, preventing them from executing their jumps.
🏆🗞 Quel honneur et quelle fierté de recevoir le prix du meilleur article des championnats d’Europe d’athlétisme de Birmingham. Bravo à Michael Steele pour sa distinction pour la meilleure photo des championnats.Pour (re)lire ce papier : https://t.co/0oEeqIYe7O https://t.co/jXwMrPTtcp
— Anaïs Brosseau (@Anais_Brosseau) October 26, 2026
Alongside Steele, there was more British sports media talent on the shortlists.
The Press Association’s Martin Rickett made the Top 5 in the photography category, while Rob Maul of The Sun was shortlisted for writing.
AIPS Europe President Marc Ventouillac said: “Beyond the awards themselves, the event gave us an opportunity to raise awareness of AIPS Europe among the younger generation of journalists.”
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