Imogen McDonald named winner of the Mark Dadswell Photography Award

As the outdated saying goes, each image tells a narrative.

That’s the case for the winner of the inaugural Australian Athletics Mark Dadswell Photography Award, West Australian photographer Imogen McDonald.

McDonald’s image of Australian dash stars Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy embracing after Kennedy was disqualified on the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth final yr was judged the winner, in a really sturdy group of entries.

The picture was entered underneath the title Beyond The Finish Line, and completely captures a second between two of Australia’s most talked about athletes.

A delighted McDonald, who was instructed about her successful the award this week, stated it was one fast pondering transfer that meant she received the image.

“I think in the heats I was with the pack of photographers thinking, we are all going to get the same photo here,” she stated.

“So for the finals I got another position on the track away from everyone else. 

“It was a quick decision.

“It turned out it paid off, after the race I didn’t expect Gout to turn my way but he did.

“I think I was in the right place at the right time.” 

The Mark Dadswell Photography award honours the legacy of Mark Dadswell, who sadly handed away in June 2024 after a battle with most cancers.

He was a lot cherished within the business, and among the best sports activities photographers in Australia and all the time had a love of athletics.

In his profession Dadswell captured three Olympic Games, a number of World Championships and plenty of extra main home occasions.

His pal, fellow photographer Hamish Blair, stated the Award was an ideal tribute for his very long time pal and colleague.

“Mark was one of the most universally respected and admired photographers in the sports industry,” Blair stated. 

“Humble and hardworking, he never sought attention for himself, in fact, he often actively tried to avoid it. 

“His photos provided all the promotion he would never seek for himself. As a talented runner in his youth, athletics was always his passion. 

 “From photos taken at multiple Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships to portraits of up-and-coming athletes and smaller local events, his work highlighted this passion with a brilliant and unique style, telling many stories big and small. 

“This passion and ability, along with his willingness to help other photographers—particularly those just starting out—make the Mark Dadswell Photography Award the most appropriate tribute to an unsung great of the Australian athletics world.”

The award was judged by two members nominated by the Australian Athletics Special Awards Committee, in addition to enter by News Corp sports activities photographer Michael Klein, who additionally labored at many sporting occasions alongside Dadswell through the years.

The Mark Dadswell Photography Award can be again for 2027, with extra particulars in regards to the nomination course of introduced later within the yr. 

 By Luke Dennehy, Australian Athletics

Posted 8/5/2026