Photojournalism nominee

In sports photography, the untold stories of female athletes reveal the complexities of navigating a male-dominated society. Women face societal expectations about appearance, influenced by the male gaze, which overshadow their autonomy. They are pressured to meet conventional criteria of “acceptable femininity,” leading to a dilemma where they are criticized for being either excessively seductive or insufficiently attractive.

Female athletes must balance their professional achievements with their physical appearance, prompting a critical question: Are they valued more for their sportsmanship or their visual appeal? Inside the boxing ring, the societal constructs of beauty dissipate, overtaken by the raw reality of combat.

Cornejo’s struggle with methamphetamine addiction started at 15 due to sexual abuse trauma. Her decision to remove breast implants in 2020 reflects her commitment to well-being. Shields, known as the “Greatest Woman of All Time” in boxing, has dealt with childhood sexual abuse and her mother’s alcoholism. Despite challenges, she fights for respect and equality in sports, defying societal pressures and barriers.

I am Terrell Groggins, an acclaimed photojournalist from the dynamic city of Detroit, Michigan. I have a passion for capturing the profound human experience through the lens of my camera. My work exposes social injustices, champions human rights, and spotlights the resilience of communities. I have received worldwide recognition and an array of prestigious awards for my photography.

I was born and raised in the heart of Detroit, where I faced personal tragedy at a young age. In 2008, my family was shattered by the tragic loss of my brother. This deeply traumatic event became the driving force behind my determination to unveil the unseen, to expose the underbelly of society and give a voice to the voiceless through my photography.