Best depiction of inclusive sport

This award recognises the best example of media that depicts the inclusiveness of sport and/or sporting communities. Entries may include stories or programs that promote participation and help break down social barriers. Issues covered may include gender equity, Indigenous Australians, multicultural groups, different age demographics or the role of volunteers in sport.

2022 Winner

Johnny Taranto, SBS ‘I’m Not a Runner’

When five 'ordinary' women aged 35-73 who hadn’t run in years decide to take on the world’s biggest marathon – they run head first into the rarely shown truth of confronting self-doubt and challenging social expectations. They discover the liberation that comes from exercise and striving for an unlikely goal in a documentary that is real, raw, funny and overwhelmingly inspiring, opens in a new tab.

Highly Commended

Jamie van Leeuwen and Joey Lynch, ESPN ‘Journey of the Afghanistan Women's Team’

Football and Freedom, opens in a new tab follows the remarkable journey of the Afghanistan Women's National Team after they fled the Taliban in 2021 and began rebuilding their lives with the support of the Australian football community. Comprising interviews with players, human rights advocates and former Australian athletes, this documentary and written series address themes of belonging, gender equality and social justice told through the lens of sport.

Finalists

Ben Dorries, News Corp ‘Becoming Tyler’

Tyler Leslight was born a girl but has transitioned to being a man, becoming Australia’s first transgender jockey. Ben Dorries gained Tyler’s trust to help him to tell his story, opens in a new tab during a time when transgender inclusion in sport was a topic of significant debate. Dorries travelled to outback Moranbah and spoke with Tyler and the horse trainers who have taken him under their wing.

Konrad Marshall, Good Weekend ‘Black Cowboys’

A local indigenous elder described the inaugural Mt Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo event - an historic night of song and dance, spills and thrills, as "a modern day corroboree". In writing an in-depth feature on the event, opens in a new tab, the experience in and around the arena, Konrad Marshall delves into the chequered history of Australia’s indigenous stockmen and how they have passed their skills down over generations.