A series of sports pictures that depicts a story line or single theme. (A picture story depicting the President of the United States, other U.S. politicians, or U.S. politics is NOT eligible in this category.) 12 photos maximum per story.

[still_multi portfolio=”no” place=”first” slider_number=”119″ name=”Patrick Smith” affiliation=”Getty Images” title=”Making the Team” description=” It’s no easy journey for the thousands of athletes that descend to a host city every four years to participate in the world’s largest event in sports – The Olympics. For what many call one of the best track and field teams on the globe, one just don’t show up and secure a spot on the U.S. Track & Field roster. Whether they’re the face of the sport or a newcomer fresh out of high school – everyone is put on the same level at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. ” released=”fair_use”] [still_multi portfolio=”no” place=”second” slider_number=”120″ name=”Matt McClain” affiliation=”The Washington Post” title=”The Way of the Bow” description=”Japanese archery is centuries old. It distinguishes itself for it’s connection to spirituality and religion. Included as a martial art is is heavily rooted in tradition and ceremony. Today it is taught in schools throughout Japan and certain disciplines including Kyudo are practiced by people throughout the world.” released=”fair_use”] [still_multi portfolio=”no” place=”third” slider_number=”121″ name=”Aude Guerrucci” affiliation=”Freelance for CNN” title=”Swimming for the Gold” description=”For months the U.S. Senior synchronized swimming team has been training for the Olympics in Brazil, while the Junior team prepare the upcoming World championships in Russia. Synchronized swimming combines swimming, dancing, acrobatic and gymnastic, and so it requires an intense training in each of these disciplines. Nine hours a day, six days a week, they trained not only in the water, but also by doing weight workouts at the gym and ballet training to improve the artistic aspect of the sport and core stability.” released=”fair_use”] [still_multi portfolio=”no” place=”excellence” slider_number=”122″ name=”Matt McClain” affiliation=”The Washington Post” title=”Role Model” description=”Besides being a single mother of two children and working a full-time job, Tia Watkins plays for the D.C. Divas, a full-contact female football team.” released=”fair_use”] [still_multi portfolio=”no” place=”excellence” slider_number=”123″ name=”Doug Mills” affiliation=”The New York Times” title=”Summer Olympics” description=”Scenes from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.” released=”fair_use”] [still_multi portfolio=”no” place=”excellence” slider_number=”124″ name=”Jonathan Newton” affiliation=”The Washington Post” title=”2016 Olympic Games” description=”RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 22: The 2016 Rio Games had many hurdles to overcome for success. The Zika virus and street crime along with the crumbling economy cast a dim light over the games. The games went off with only minor glitches like a green diving pool and the controversy over the American swimmers lying about being robbed. The people of Rio put their best face forward for the majority of athletes and visitors. A misty rain surrounds Christ the Redeemer statue at the summit of Mount Corcovado on the day after the Olympic games ended on August 22, 2016 in Rio De Janeiro, . ” released=”fair_use”]