People 3rd place winner

Winner No. 21 is youngest winner of Naadam horse race in Inner Mongolia, Naadam, an annual, traditional sports festival is an important event for the Mongolian nation, dating back to the times of Huns. Horses with whom Mongols have been tied since the dawn of their history are for them a source of pride, wealth, and a determinant of social status. They win prizes in exhausting races over a distance of 15 to 35 kilometers (depending on the age of the horse). Girls and boys, often without shoes, in socks or flip-flops, without professional equipment, sometimes even without saddles, masterfully ride their mounts with great bravado. One cannot resist the impression that most of them were born in the saddle. The kids are screaming and blindly whipping their horses, galloping through the steppe. Clouds of dust burst around them through which it is absolutely impossible to discern anything. Sometimes the horse loses the rider on the way and ends the race alone. After long moments full of tension and anticipation, the first competitors and their mounts reach the finish line, mud-spattered, covered in dust, barely visible. Dirty, exhausted, yet exhilarated.

Cofounder of WhyNot Agency, freelance documentary and portrait photographer for over 25 years, based in Poznan (Poland), graduated with Ph.D. in economics. He focuses on documenting a culture heritage and social affairs issues around the world. Between 2015 and 2023 he has worked on long term photographic projects in more than 35 countries, especially in South America, SouthEast Asia and Europe. His photographs and photo essays have been published in international magazines such as: the LFI Leica Fotografie International, National Geographic Magazine, Poznaj Swiat Magazine and many more.

He has been a recipient of numerous awards and been shortlisted as a finalist by some of the most esteemed organizations and photography forums in the world, include Sony World Photography Awards, National Geographic, Travel Photographer of the Year, Kuala Lumpur International Portrait Award, IPA and others. One of his most recent long-term photo projects „The Viking Expeditions” has ben provided with media patronage by National Geographic and Leica Camera Poland.

Tomek is represented by WhyNot Gallery. He is available for international assignments, collaborations and projects worldwide.