Inside AFP

The winning image, “Walk to Freedom”, shows WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange raising his fist upon arriving at Canberra Airport on 26 June 2024, after pleading guilty in a U.S. court to a single count of conspiracy to obtain and disseminate national defence information. 

Gray waited for several hours in freezing conditions before Assange landed and crossed the tarmac. Due to the low light and the distance from the subject, Gray had to push his camera to its limits.  

“It was never even definite that we would see the arrival of Julian Assange at Canberra Airport, let alone be able to capture an image of him”, said Gray. 

The Sydney-based photojournalist was also nominated in the Sport category for “Light, Shadows, Action at the Australian Open”, which captures France’s Adrian Mannarino looking up as the roof closed during a practice session. The award in this category was won by photographer Quinn Rooney for “Australians at the Pool”. 

The Walkley Awards, among Australia's most prestigious journalism honours, recognise achievements across various photography genres, including news, sport, portraiture, and photographic essays. Winners are selected by the Walkley Judging Board, composed of senior members of the Australian media industry. 

Gray previously won the 2022 World Sports Awards, the 2021 Wisden Cricket Player of the Year (POY), and the 2019 World Press Photo in Sports.