2023 Sports Picture Story

First Place: Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle

First Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Fighting for a Family Michael Portales spent his childhood in and out of the foster care system. At the age of 13, while homeless, Portales met Gilbert Juarez and his life would change. Juarez invited the teen to stay with his family at their Northern California home and for the first time, Portales had a stable home environment. Over the next ten years, Portales struggled and spent 3 stints in jail, but his new family stood by his side. Finally, in 2020, Portales committed himself to get in shape and stay on the right side of the law. In the backyard of his adoptive fathers home, Portales started training as a boxer under the moniker Mikey the Bull and helped recruit other troubled area teens to form Bullgang Boxing. Now 27, Portales has fought five professional fights including one at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Michael Mikey the Bull Portales rides to his boxing match at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington, on Friday, April 7, 2023.

Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle

First Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Michael Mikey the Bull Portales trains with his dog, Jiro, in his backyard boxing ring at his home in Hayward, Calif., on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle

First Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Michael Mikey the Bull Portales gets ice cream with his sister, Bella, in Hayward, Calif., on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle

First Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Michael Mikey the Bull Portales is knocked down by Ioannis Manouilidis during his loss in a lightweight fight during San Francisco Fight Night at Cow Palace in Daly City, Calif., on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle

First Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Michael Mikey the Bull Portales is checked out by a doctor after his loss in a lightweight fight to Ioannis Manouilidis during San Francisco Fight Night at Cow Palace in Daly City, Calif., on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle

First Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Michael Mikey the Bull Portales (right) goofs around with his fellow Bullgang Boxing team members during a hike up Mission Peak in Fremont, Calif., on Monday, May 29, 2023.

Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle

First Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Michael Mikey the Bull Portales takes a breather while training at his backyard boxing gym in Hayward, Calif., on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle

First Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Michael Mikey the Bull Portales and his adoptive father, Gilbert Juarez, walk down the Las Vegas Strip on Friday, July 28, 2023, a day before Portales bout on the undercard of the Spence/Crawford championship fight in Las Vegas.

Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle

First Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Michael Mikey the Bull Portales and his adoptive father, Gilbert Juarez, spend a quiet moment before Portales fight during San Francisco Fight Night at Cow Palace in Daly City, Calif., on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle

First Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Michael Mikey the Bull Portales pummels Margarito Hernandez during his victory at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington, on Friday, April 7, 2023.

Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle

First Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Michael Mikey the Bull Portales is celebrated by his adoptive mother, Recel, and sister, Bella, in their hotel room after Portales victory in a boxing match at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington, on Friday, April 7, 2023.

Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle

First Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Michael Mikey the Bull Portales enjoys himself after throwing out t-shirts to the crowd during a fight card at Benjamins Boxing in San Ramon, Calif., on Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle

Second Place: Mathieu Belanger

Second Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Ukraine Team Select arrives at the Montreal International airport in Montreal, February 2, 2023. In February of 2023, a team of 11 and 12 years old Ukrainians came to Canada to compete in an international hockey tournament. Before the beginning of the competition, the team had three weeks to practice. The coach picked players from all over Europe, some fled the war to neighbour countries and some were still living Ukraine. Their journey ended after winning their first two games, loosing to the eventual winner of the tournament.

Mathieu Belanger

Second Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Ukraine Team Select Zahar Kovalenko looks at snow flakes after he arrived at the Montreal International airport in Montreal, February 2, 2023.

Mathieu Belanger

Second Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Ukraine Team Select Matvii Kulish and his coach Ievgen Pysarenko play in the snow in Quebec City, February 18, 2023.

Mathieu Belanger

Second Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Ukraine Team Select Maksym Kukharenko makes a snow cone with maple taffy during a community event in Quebec City, February 5, 2023.

Mathieu Belanger

Second Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Ukraine Team Select Denys Lupandin and his teammate listen to their national anthem before their game against Boston Junior Bruins in Quebec City, February 11, 2023.

Mathieu Belanger

Second Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

People waves flags during the game between Ukraine Team Select and the Boston Junior Bruins in Quebec City, February 11, 2023.

Mathieu Belanger

Second Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Ukraine Team Select Mykyta Staskevich hits Alexandru-Andrei Dan of the Romania Wolves during their match in Quebec City, February 13, 2023.

Mathieu Belanger

Second Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Ukraine Team Select Matvii Kulish and his teammate make their way to the ice before their game against the Vermont Flames Academy in Quebec City, February 17, 2023.

Mathieu Belanger

Second Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Ukraine Team Select Maksym Shtepa cries after loosing his game against the Vermont Flames Academy in Quebec City, February 17, 2023.

Mathieu Belanger

Second Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Ukraine Team Select Maksym Protserov cries after loosing his game against the Vermont Flames Academy in Quebec City, February 17, 2023.

Mathieu Belanger

Second Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

A Ukraine Team Select Jersey signed by the players is pictured during a community event n Quebec City, February 5, 2023.

Mathieu Belanger

Second Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

A Ukraine Team Select player shows a card with the message that reads: The team that entered history in Canada, conquered the hearts of all people in Quebec City, February 20, 2023.

Mathieu Belanger

Third Place: Matt Mcclain / The Washington Post

Third Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

In order to keep disputes from causing violence in the community, Chris Wilmore started Streetbeefs a decade ago. The monthly fighting events, that meet in a homeowners country field in Virginia, give people the chance to settle their problems in the ring with boxing, mixed martial arts and kick boxing. There are also matches that don't involve a grudge. Streetbeefs continues to grow with a large social media presence and has also become a platform for young and up and coming fighters looking to make a name for themselves. Marcus Grisby is seen between rounds as his son, Marcus Grisby Jr. 2, and girlfriend, Carissa Khan look on during a Streetbeefs event on Saturday July 01, 2023 in Winchester, VA. In order to keep disputes from causing violence in the community, Chris Wilmore started Streetbeefs. The monthly fighting events, that meet in a homeowners country field in Virginia, give people the chance to settle their problems in the ring with boxing, mixed martial arts and kick boxing.

Matt Mcclain / The Washington Post

Third Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Justice Wilmore, 19, prepares for a fight during a Streetbeefs event on Saturday July 01, 2023 in Winchester, VA. The monthly fighting events, that meet in a homeowners country field in Virginia, give people the chance to settle their problems in the ring with boxing, mixed martial arts and kick boxing. There are also matches that don't involve a grudge.

Matt Mcclain / The Washington Post

Third Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

St. Mikhai Norman fights Cody Baird on Saturday August 05, 2023 in Winchester, VA. In order to keep disputes from causing violence in the community, Chris Wilmore started Streetbeefs. The monthly fighting events, that meet in a rural field in Virginia, give people the chance to settle their problems in the ring with boxing, mixed martial arts and kick boxing. There are also matches that don't involve a grudge. Streetbeefs continues to grow with a large social media presence including a YouTube channel with other three million subscribers and has also become a platform for young and up and coming fighters looking to make a name for themselves.

Matt Mcclain / The Washington Post

Third Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Malcolm Schuiler fights Edward Brown Jr. on Saturday August 05, 2023 in Winchester, VA. Streetbeefs continues to grow with a large social media presence including a YouTube channel with other three million subscribers and has also become a platform for young and up and coming fighters looking to make a name for themselves.

Matt Mcclain / The Washington Post

Third Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Christopher Davis is seen between rounds duirng his fight on Saturday August 05, 2023 in Winchester, VA.

Matt Mcclain / The Washington Post

Third Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Aloese Aloese celebrates his victory over Shane Ryan Ettinger,on Saturday August 05, 2023 in Winchester, VA. In order to keep disputes from causing violence in the community, Chris Wilmore started Streetbeefs.

Matt Mcclain / The Washington Post

Third Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Malcolm Schuiler bleeds from a gash above his right eyey after his fight on Saturday August 05, 2023 in Winchester, VA. In order to keep disputes from causing violence in the community, Chris Wilmore started Streetbeefs. The monthly fighting events, that meet in a rural field in Virginia, give people the chance to settle their problems in the ring with boxing, mixed martial arts and kick boxing. There are also matches that don't involve a grudge. Streetbeefs continues to grow with a large social media presence including a YouTube channel with other three million subscribers and has also become a platform for young and up and coming fighters looking to make a name for themselves.

Matt Mcclain / The Washington Post

Third Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Eugene Edwards, left, holds a wheelchair for Pedro Cortijo, center, fights Brandon Harden during a Streetbeefs event on Saturday July 01, 2023 in Winchester, VA. Cortijo, who does not need a wheelchair was fighting Harden, who is physically handicapped.

Matt Mcclain / The Washington Post

Third Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Hunter Daniel is comforted by his girlfriend, Kristen Wroten after Hunter fell into a fence latch and injured himself during his fight on Saturday August 05, 2023 in Winchester, VA.

Matt Mcclain / The Washington Post

Third Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Aloese Aloese hugs Shane Ryan Ettinger after their match that Aloese won on Saturday August 05, 2023 in Winchester, VA. Streetbeefs continues to grow with a large social media presence including a YouTube channel with other three million subscribers and has also become a platform for young and up and coming fighters looking to make a name for themselves.

Matt Mcclain / The Washington Post

Third Place - 2023 Sports Picture Story

A fighter with the ring name of Kron Unchained walks to his vehicle after a Streetbeefs event on Saturday July 01, 2023 in Winchester, VA. The monthly fighting events, that meet in a homeowners country field in Virginia, give people the chance to settle their problems in the ring with boxing, mixed martial arts and kick boxing. There are also matches that don't involve a grudge.

Matt Mcclain / The Washington Post

Honorable Mention: Sascha Fromm / Thueringer Allgemeine

Honorable Mention - 2023 Sports Picture Story

BALL RETRIEVER This is a series of pictures taken during football matches in the eighth, ninth and tenth football leagues. In these local soccer games, there are no ball retrievers like there are in the top leagues. The players have to retrieve the game balls themselves, often from fields, gardens, small rivers or roads. These little league games are often just played in front of not more than 10 to 50 spectators at the sidelines. Football is by far the most popular sport in Germany. More than 80 000 soccer games will played every weekend and approximately 50,000 referees whistle the matches. Seven million people are members of one of over 24,000 football clubs. In this photo: Christian Witaseck #18 of Isserstedt picks up the ball from behind an old bus stop, that has been converted into a spectator stand, during the 9th soccer league match between SV Klengel-Serba 09 I and SG Union Isserstedt on October 22, 2022 at sportsplace in Serba, Germany.

Sascha Fromm / Thueringer Allgemeine

Honorable Mention - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Pascal Heissner of Allmenhausen retrieves the ball from a meadow next to the field while spectators watch the game from their terrace during the Krombacher-Cup match between SG Obertopfstedt and SPG Allmenhausen on August 20, 2023 at sportsplace in Obertopfstedt, Germany.

Sascha Fromm / Thueringer Allgemeine

Honorable Mention - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Maua's Marvin Kuefner picks up the ball from a field as a moped rider drives by on the street during the 10th league soccer match between SV Kickers Maua II and Taeler SV Ottendorf on October 22, 2022 at sportsplace in Maua, Germany.

Sascha Fromm / Thueringer Allgemeine

Honorable Mention - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Captain Maximilian Winckler of Griesheim retrieves the ball with a net from a small stream during local soccer match between SV Fortuna Griesheim and FSV Grossbreitenbach on April 6, 2023 at sportsplace in Griesheim, Germany.

Sascha Fromm / Thueringer Allgemeine

Honorable Mention - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Goalkeeper Nick Kuehnhold #30 of Luisenthal retrieves the ball from between beer benches during a local soccer match bewtween Luisenthaler SV and SG Frisch Auf Emleben on October 31, 2022 in Luisenthal, Germany.

Sascha Fromm / Thueringer Allgemeine

Honorable Mention - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Nico Rolle #9 of Unterwellenborn tries to grab the ball after it has fallen behind a spectator railing during a local soccer match between SV BW Niederwillingen and SV Stahl Unterwellenborn on April 6, 2023 in Niederwillingen, Germany.

Sascha Fromm / Thueringer Allgemeine

Honorable Mention - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Goalkeeper Markus Jaehnig of Niederwillingen retrieves the ball that has come to stop in a tunnel entrance during a local soccer match between BW Niederwillingen and Stahl Unterwellenborn on April 6, 2023 in Niederwillingen, Germany.

Sascha Fromm / Thueringer Allgemeine

Honorable Mention - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Goalkeeper Franz Heller #25 of Koenigshofen retrieves the ball from a field during a soccer cup match between Taeler SV Ottendorf and TSV Koenigshofen on September 20, 2023 in Ottendorf, Germany.

Sascha Fromm / Thueringer Allgemeine

Honorable Mention - 2023 Sports Picture Story

A substitute player picks up the ball from under a bridge during the 10th league soccer match between SV Kickers Maua II and Taeler SV Ottendorf on October 22, 2022 at sportsplace in Maua, Germany.

Sascha Fromm / Thueringer Allgemeine

Honorable Mention - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Oleksandr Vovk #16 of Zottelstedt retrieves the ball from a nearby street during a local soccer match between FSV Ilmtal Zottelstedt and FC Einheit Bad Berka on December 11, 2022 in Zottelstedt, Germany.

Sascha Fromm / Thueringer Allgemeine

Honorable Mention: Ebrahim Noroozi / Associated Press

Honorable Mention - 2023 Sports Picture Story

Afghanistans ruling Taliban have banned women from sports as well as barring them from most schooling and many realms of work. A number of women posed for the photographer for portraits with the equipment of the sports they loved. Though they do not necessarily wear the burqa in regular life, they chose to hide their identities with their burqas because they fear Taliban reprisals and because some of them continue to practice their sports in secret. An Afghan women's soccer team poses for a photo in Kabul, Afghanistan, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022.