Jerome Brouillet Wins the 2024 Sven-Simon-Award for Sports Photography

First Place: Jerome Brouillet, “The Golden Moment”

(IN BRIEF) French photographer Jerome Brouillet won the prestigious 2024 Sven-Simon-Award for his image “The Golden Moment,” which captures surfer Gabriel Medina celebrating during the 2024 Olympic Games in Teahupo’o, Tahiti. The award, which includes a €10,000 prize, is presented annually by WELT AM SONNTAG for the best sports photo of the year. Brouillet’s win was decided by an esteemed jury featuring sports legends such as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Manuel Neuer. Matthias Schrader and Marijan Murat took second and third places, respectively, for their stunning sports photos. The award ceremony for Brouillet was held digitally, but an immersive exhibition of the winning photos will open at the German Football Museum in Dortmund in March 2025. The Sven-Simon-Award, named in honor of Axel Springer Jr., continues to celebrate excellence in sports photography.

(PRESS RELEASE) BERLIN, 28-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Axel Springer SE, Europe’s largest digital publishing house, announces that the prestigious Sven-Simon-Award, presented by WELT AM SONNTAG, has been awarded to French photographer Jerome Brouillet for his captivating image “The Golden Moment.” Brouillet’s stunning photo, capturing Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina at the 2024 Olympic Games, soared above the waves in Teahupo’o, Tahiti, and struck a powerful emotional connection with viewers. This recognition includes a prize of €10,000, making it Germany’s most esteemed sports photography award.

Brouillet expressed his excitement, saying, “As a passionate sports fan, it is truly an honor to have my work chosen by a jury of such accomplished athletes. To have figures like Bastian Schweinsteiger and Manuel Neuer—whose careers I’ve admired deeply—among the judges makes this award even more special. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.”

Second Place: Matthias Schrader, “Nachtflug”

In second place, Matthias Schrader earned recognition for his photograph “Nachtflug,” which depicts Austrian ski jumper Markus Müller in mid-flight during the Four Hills Tournament, with snowflakes surrounding him like clouds. Stuttgart-based photographer Marijan Murat secured third place with “Zelluloid,” capturing German table tennis star Timo Boll during the Paris Olympic Games, in a moment of intense concentration on his serve.

Axel Sven Springer, jury chairman, commented, “The global reach of the Sven-Simon-Award is reflected in our international winner, and I’m proud of how this competition continues to grow in significance. I extend my thanks to all the photographers and the incredible jury, whose expertise ensures this competition remains of the highest caliber.”

Third Place: Marijan Murat, “Zelluloid”

The award-winning photos were selected by an esteemed jury of sports legends, including Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franziska van Almsick, Dirk Nowitzki, Katarina Witt, and several other renowned athletes such as Manuel Neuer, Felix Neureuther, and Malaika Mihambo. The jury’s voting results were published in WELT AM SONNTAG, maintaining transparency.

Due to the circumstances, the award ceremony for Brouillet, who resides in Tahiti, was held digitally. However, sports photography enthusiasts will have the chance to view all 78 previously awarded images in an immersive exhibition opening on March 4, 2025, at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. The exhibition will run until March 16, 2025, offering a dynamic and engaging experience through large-scale screens in a 1,000-square-meter space.

Museum director Manuel Neukirchner stated, “This immersive exhibition will serve as a spectacular tribute to the world of contemporary sports photography, offering an impactful experience for all who attend.”

Media contact:

Judith Roth
Director Communications WELT Group, Deputy Company Spokesperson
judith.roth@axelspringer.com
+49 30 2591 77608

SOURCE: Axel Springer SE