Best sport coverage by an individual - written

This award recognises an individual who has delivered exceptional written coverage of sport in print or online media during the nomination period.

2021 Winner

Phil Lutton, The Sydney Morning Herald

In a year dominated by the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Phil Lutton covered these major events from every angle.

From an investigation revealing secret meetings to secure the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, opens in a new tab to a deadline piece on Ariarne Titmus’s 400m freestyle victory, opens in a new tab over Katie Ledecky, Lutton displayed versatility and dedication to his coverage. He secured an interview with Cody Simpson, opens in a new tab as he put his successful music career on hold to return to competitive swimming, and united Cate Campbell with the two young letter-writers, opens in a new tab who helped her return from a disappointing Rio Olympic campaign.

Lutton also secured the only interview with Maddie Groves, opens in a new tab who sensationally withdrew from the Olympic swimming trials amid claims of poor treatment of athletes within the sport.

Highly Commended

Emma Kemp, Guardian Australia

Emma Kemp focuses her coverage on the people who participate in sport.

She is fascinated by who athletes are, what motivates them and why, what life events have informed their ambitions and choices and, in turn, how sport has shaped them. In 2021, Kemp wrote about athletes from a number of sports, including VFL footballer Alan Lynch, opens in a new tab and the devastating impacts of concussion, and rugby union star David Pocock’s activism, opens in a new tab. An Ash Barty tribute, opens in a new tab highlighted the significance of an Indigenous Australian woman winning a Wimbledon Tennis Championship while a football team for Rohingya refugees, opens in a new tab showcases the power of inclusive sport.

Finalists

Julian Linden, The Daily Telegraph

Along with the rescheduled Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, 2021 sporting news was dominated by governance and integrity issues that continue to challenge sports.

Julian Linden was lead writer for News Corp’s coverage of both games, reporting news and athlete profiles which attracted record audiences. He was also at the forefront of exposing and examining major issues. Along with Simon Orchard, he did a deep dive into the toxic culture inside the Hockeyroos, uncovering abuse, bullying, body shaming and intimidation. With Craig Lord, he was also heavily involved in a long investigation into swimming’s world governing body FINA which led to an overhaul of the entire organisation.

Linden was also involved in major investigations into women’s football and gymnastics.

Jonathan Howcroft, Guardian Australia

For two weeks in early 2021 the eyes of the world were on Melbourne Park.

The Australian Open tennis championships weren’t guaranteed to go ahead. Player arrivals caused discontent. Hotel quarantine proved controversial for players and locals. Once underway, the tournament was muted until Nick Kyrgios sparked it into life, but his championship ended the night Melbourne was plunged into lockdown at short notice.

As one of only a handful of reporters granted first-hand access to the event, Jonathan Howcroft focused on reporting what it was like to be in such a confusing environment with a range of colour writing, match reporting and analysis.

Will Swanton, The Australian

Will Swanton delved deeper into the bigger sport stories of the year and uncovered new ones – including Ash Barty winning Wimbledon, opens in a new tab and some of the cherished moments of the Tokyo Olympic Games, opens in a new tab. He also managed an in-depth profile of the new face of Australian boxing, Tim Tszyu, and looking into the relationship with his absent father, Kostya. In another long-form piece, Swanton looks at the contribution to Australian sport and society of Australia's first Indigenous world boxing champion, Lionel Rose, opens in a new tab. Swanton taps into to the emotion and personality of his subjects to capture what fascinates us about sport and athletes.