Determination

Two teams, one goal - to win, evidenced by the capture of rapid, forward motion and in particular by the competitor on the left whose expression, neck muscles and tendons show total focus on the task quite literally in hand. This image conveys a strong sense of the speed and power the athletes are generating in their determined effort to be as fast as possible. Also the expression of the competitor who has just handed over his baton makes clear he has done his best to play his part in the desired outcome. Well done

This shot really works for me on many different levels , the steely determination in the eyes and mouth of the competitor, the position of the body which shows her athleticism to full effect and the way her hands are not yet on the bar, suggesting that she's preparing herself mentally for the effort to come. This feels like a decisive moment and the culmination of many years of dedication, training and abstinence from the normal things non athletes take for granted eg a social life, late nights and and being able to eat and drink whatever you please. This image for me suggests this young woman is preparing for an all or nothing moment and is clearly determined to get the best possible outcome from it. Well done!

For some people simply living day to day requires great determination, especially those with physical or mental challenges to overcome and this was an image I felt captured this aspect of life . For me this brain tumour sufferer is working hard to make the best of her situation and retain a sense of humour by drawing on her lost hair in the mirror. It seems to me there is a playfulness in her eyes and mouth which draws me into the image. I also like the red colour of the shirt she wears which could be seen to symbolise the colour of the heart and blood, both vital for the good health which currently evades this lady. Well done

This was another very original image and I love the energy in it which the slight blurring and splashing water convey. I also like the similar tones found throughout and the way the wilderbeasts' manes and ribs are vertical gives for me a sense of geometry in an otherwise seemingly chaotic scene. This shot is powerful and the animals look strong but it also evokes feelings of sadness in me because I know that whilst these animals are very determined, not all will reach their destination particularly the youngest and oldest who are likely to perish along the way. Well done

This image makes me smile and the suggestion this small child could push this giant sphere is absurd but charming in its notion. The juxtaposition of the large hard sphere and the small soft child works well for me. It may be some would feel the background to the right is distracting but I like how the round topped building mirrors the sphere, the childs head and the spots on the coat. It's possible this image was set up but for me it looks natural enough to imagine that the child simply walked up to the sphere determined to move it in the way that a child who has not yet experienced life's knock backs would. Well done

This is one of the few images submitted showing determination in nature which is much harder to convey when there are no emotions on display. I like the use of the long exposure which smooths the rushing water, allowing the focus to be drawn to the largest plant which has been successful in clinging onto the rocks and is well placed almost central in the foreground. The texture of the rocks works well too as it adds another layer of interest to what is for me a very pleasing and relaxing image. Well done

This image stood out for it's originality and although we can't quite fully see the determination in the boy's face it seems clear to me from the angles in his body and the way he's grasping the rocks he's working hard to make it to the top of the sea wall . I love the way the orange and blue of his clothes are mirrored both in the sky and sand and more importantly in the rocks he is clambering up. I also like how the image is seemingly split into two triangles, one capturing the boys effort and the other showing the environment in which his effort is taking place. Well done

This is another tug of war picture which caught my eye. There are a range of expressions but each one shows determination in it's own way, most noticeably in the competitor closest to the camera who leaves us in no doubt that he along with his team mates are feeling the strain. I like the spectators and dark brooding background which add to the overall story. The post processing work is well executed in the way that it draws attention to the faces. Well done

This is a very pleasing image and I like the composition and story it tells. For me though it is not clear how much of a challenge this climb as been and it might have been better if the shot had been taken closer to the edge of the rocks to convey this. Also, in my opinion the expression on the face is a little too relaxed when compared with some of the other images although clearly the photographer had to work with what was presented to them at the time and this as with most images is an issue of timing. Good effort though

Most sporting successes come about as a result of a lot of hard work not only by individuals but also by support crew. What I love about this image is that whilst it is clear both tug of war teams are very determined (as evidenced by their stance in the mud) the eye is drawn to the coach who is clearly putting everything he can into encouraging the team without actually taking hold of the rope. Perhaps he is the coach or related to one of the women in the blue team but whatever his motivation this image makes clear he is very determined they succeed and I think the timing of this capture is excellent