Sports Writing Award

About The Award

The Sports Writing Award recognises original and insightful works that transcend sport – in selecting the winner, judges will be looking for compelling storytelling with literary merit that leaves a lasting impact on the reader. The award replaces the Biography and General Outstanding categories, ensuring the very best works are appropriately recognised within a singular category.

Sponsored by

Sports Writing Award Shortlist Sticker 2021

General Outstanding Sports
Writing Award Winner 2020_

Mind Games

By Annie Vernon

An authoritative exploration of the psychology of elite sport, written by Olympic silver medallist and respected sports journalist Annie Vernon. Drawing on her personal experiences and interviews with professionals from across the world of sport, Annie discovers how athletes train their brains in order to become world beaters.

Mind Games by Annie Vernon

The Clays Sports Writing Award Shortlist 2021_

The Russian Affair
David Walsh
The Moth and The Mountain
Ed Caesar
The Farther Corner
Harry Pearson
The Breath of Sadness
Ian Ridley
The Biggest Bluff
Maria Konnikova
Frankel
Simon Cooper

Previous Winners