Gold medallists of China perform Synchronised Swimming Free Combination routine at the Munhak Park Tae-hwan Aquatics Center during the 17th Asian Games in Incheon September 23, 2014. (Photo by Tim Wimborne/Reuters)

Japan's Mei Tsuruta competes in the rhythmic gymnastics individual qualification and individual team final event during the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, in China's eastern Zhejiang province on October 6, 2023. (Photo by Philip Fong/AFP Photo)

Pascal Martinot-Lagarde, of France, celebrates his bronze medal in the men's 110 meter hurdles final at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, October 2, 2019. (Photo by Petr David Josek/AP Photo)

South Korea's Lee Dae-ho is hit by a pitch off Taiwan's pitcher Pan Wei-lun during the second inning of their first round game of the World Baseball Classic at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, March 9, 2017. (Photo by Ahn Young-joon/AP Photo)

Renaud Lavillenie of France in action while competing in the Mens Pole Vault during the Air Show “Berlin fliegt!” at Brandenburger Tor on August 12, 2011 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Joern Pollex/Bongarts/Getty Images)

O Santa Claus of Australia competes in the mens 80–84 years 100 metres heats during day two of the 2009 Sydney World Masters Games at Sydney Olympic Park on October 11, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Contestant of the Muslimah World 2013, Obabiyi Aishah Ajibola (C) of Nigeria, is reflected in a mirror checking her make-up while contestants wait for a grand final during the Muslimah World competition in Jakarta on September 18, 2013. (Photo by Adek Berry/AFP Photo)

Natural world and wildlife shortlist. Lop Buri in Thailand is home to hundreds of macaques, which local residents consider to be disciples of the Hindu god Hanuman. While some people love them, others fear or even hate them. Despite the inconvenience they often cause, the macaques are generally respected and considered sacred. (Photo by Joan de la Malla/Sony World Photography Awards)