SI's 100 Best Photos of 2016

What are the defining images of 2016? It depends on your point of view. From high school games in the heartland to the Rio Olympics, no one had a better seat than SI's photographers.

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Dec 14, 2016

SI's 100 Best Photos of 2016

Jordan Spieth tees off on the 18th hole during the Hyundai Tournament of Champions on Jan. 7, 2016 at Kapalua Resort in Lahaina, Hawaii.

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes breaks up a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett in the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game on Jan. 10, 2016 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is tackled by Denver Broncos safety Shiloh Keo (33), linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) and safety Josh Bush (20) during the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship game on Jan. 24, 2016 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver.

Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib gets in the face of New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman after stopping him short of a first down on fourth and one during the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship game on Jan. 24, 2016 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver.

Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson and linebacker DeMarcus Ware dive for the ball fumbled by Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton during the first half of Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7, 2016 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart leaps over Denver Broncos linebacker Danny Travathan to score a one-yard touchdown during the second quarter of Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7, 2016 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning runs upfield after completing a first down pass against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7, 2016 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams reacts during a Final Four semifinal game against the Syracuse Orange on April 2, 2016 at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco bats against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 3, 2016 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

Villanova forward Kris Jenkins celebrates with teammates after making the game-winning three-point shot against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the NCAA Men's National Championship game on April 4, 2016 at NRG Stadium in Houston.

An infrared view of Jordan Spieth, his caddie Michael Greller, Bryson DeChambeau and Paul Casey on the 9th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament on April 7, 2016 at Augusta National in Augusta, Ga.

Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry takes a shot past Memphis Grizzlies small forward Matt Barnes on April 9, 2016 at FedExForum in Memphis.

Jordan Spieth reacts on the 18th hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament on April 10, 2016 at Augusta National in Georgia.

Simone Biles stretches during a training session photo shoot on April 15, 2016 at the World Champions Centre in Spring, Texas.

Nashville Predators center Colton Sissons battles Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Garbutt for a loose puck in the neutral zone during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs first round on April 23, 2016 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Spectators hold up their cameras during the Kentucky Derby on May 7, 2016 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Mario Gutierrez rides Nyquist to victory during the Kentucky Derby on May 7, 2016 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper safely slides across home plate ahead of the tag attempt by Chicago Cubs catcher Tim Federowicz on May 8, 2016 at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor throws a punch against Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista on May 15, 2016 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.

Jason Day plays his shot from the 18th tee during the final round of The Players Championship on May 15, 2016 at the Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook drives to the basket against the Golden State Warriors during Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals on May 24, 2016 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love reacts after being called out of bounds during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Toronto Raptors on May 25, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

Academia Todos na Luta founder and boxing instructor Raffi Giglio looks on as students spar during a photo shoot on a club roof in Favela do Vidigal on June 2, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Nick Bonino and San Jose Sharks center Chris Tierney face off during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 9, 2016 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh.

Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James moves the ball against the Golden State Warriors during Game 5 of the NBA Finals on June 13, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif.

Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James dunks against the Golden State Warriors during Game 6 of the NBA Finals on June 16, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

An infrared view of Sergio Garcia walking with his caddie during the second round of the U.S. Open on June 17, 2016 at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Penn.

A 360 degree panoramic view of Bryson DeChambeau driving from the 1st tee during the third round of the U.S. Open on June 18, 2016 at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Penn.

Dustin Johnson smiles as he receives the championship trophy following his three- stroke victory in the final round of the U.S. Open on June 19, 2016 at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Penn.

Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal heads the ball against Argentina during the Copa America Centenario Championship match on June 26, 2016 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

Matthias Tayala competes in the Hammer Throw during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on July 7, 2016 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Women's Gymnastics competitors stretch during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on July 10, 2016 at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.

Michael Tinsley tugs on his son after placing third in the 400m Hurdles Final during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on July 10, 2016 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Phil Mickelson reacts after missing a birdie putt on the 18th hole during the first round of the British Open on July 14, 2016 at Royal Troon in Troon, Scotland.

The peloton rolls through Grumari during the Men's Road Race on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 6, 2016 at the Fort Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Serena Williams returns a shot against Daria Gavrilova of Australia in their first round match on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 7, 2016 at the Olympic Tennis Centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Oscar Albeiro Figueroa Mosquera of Colombia reacts during the 62kg Group A weightlifting contest on Day 3 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 8, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Blurs of competitors in the Women's Individual Sabre on Day 3 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 8, 2016 at Carioca Arena 3 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Azza Besbes of Tunisia reacts after losing to Manon Brunet of France during the Women's Individual Sabre on Day 3 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 8, 2016 at Carioca Arena 3 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Astier Nicolas of France riding Piafde B'Neville clears a jump during the Cross Country Eventing on Day 3 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 8, 2016 at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Jade le Pesq of France competes against the United States in the Rugby Sevens match on Day 3 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 8, 2016 at the Deodoro Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Michael Phelps of the United States competes in the 200m Butterfly Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 9, 2016 at Rio Aquatics Centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Great Britain rugby team stands in a huddle on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 9, 2016 at Deodoro Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Anqi Xu of China competes against Ana Maria Popescu of Romania during the Women's Epee Team Gold Medal Match bout on Day 6 of the 2016 Rio Olympics on Aug. 11, 2016 at Carioca Arena 3 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Salome Nyirarukundo of Rwanda looks on following the 10,000m final on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016 at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Anthony Ervin of the United States competes in the 50m Freestyle Final on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016 at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Edward Clancy of Great Britain celebrates after his team set the new world record of 3:50.57 in the 4,000m Team Pursuit on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016 at the Rio Olympic Velodrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Alexander Massialas of the United States celebrates with teammates Miles Chamley-Watson and Race Imboden after winning bronze in the Foil Team event on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016 at Carioca Arena 3 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Katie Ledecky of the United States leads the field in the 800m Freestyle Final on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016 at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Jung Kim Gi of South Korea celebrates during the Doubles Play Stage Group C badminton match on Day 8 of the 2016 Rio Olympics on Aug. 13, 2016 at Riocentro - Pavilion 4 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Roman Vlasov of Russia pins Mark Overgaard Madsen of Denmark during the Greco-Roman 75 kg Gold Medal match on Day 9 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 14, 2016 at Carioca Arena 2 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Usain Bolt of Jamaica celebrates winning the 100m final on Day 9 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 14, 2016 at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

A closeup look at the track spikes of Usain Bolt of Jamaica following the 100m final on Day 9 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 14, 2016 at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Finn class competes on Day 9 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 14, 2016 at the Marina da Gloria in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Bartlomiej Wojciech Bonk of Poland competes during the 105kg Group A Weightlifting contest on Day 10 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 15, 2016 at Riocentro - Pavilion 2 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

A reflection in the water of competitors during the Women's 3,000m Steeplechase final on Day 10 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 15, 2016 at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Milan Trajkovic of Cyprus competes in the rain during the 110m Hurdles Round 1 - Heat 2 on Day 10 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 15, 2016 at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Cyclists compete during the Men's Sprint on Day 11 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 16, 2016 at the Rio Olympic Velodrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

An aerial view of Copacabana Stadium on Day 11 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 16, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Lorraine Ugen of Great Britain competes during the Long Jump qualifying round on Day 11 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 16, 2016 at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Patrick Constable of Australia looks down during the Keirin First Round race on Day 11 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 16, 2016 at the Rio Olympic Velodrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Spain and Serbia compete in their Men's Water Polo Quarterfinal match on Day 11 of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games on Aug. 16, 2016 at the Olympic Aquatics Centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Elaine Thompson of Jamaica reacts after winning the gold medal in the 200m final on Day 12 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 17, 2016 at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ashton Eaton of the United States competes during the Decathlon Shot Put on Day 12 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 17, 2016 at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Italy celebrates after their Women's Water Polo Semifinal match against Russia on Day 12 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 17, 2016 at Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Usain Bolt acknowledges the crowd after winning the 200m final on Day 13 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 18, 2016 at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Alistair Brownlee and Jonathan Brownlee of Great Britain celebrate during the Triathlon on Day 13 of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games on Aug. 18, 2016 at Fort Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Sandi Morris of the United States competes in the Pole Vault Final on Day 14 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 19, 2016 at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Yana Kudryavtseva of Russia competes during the Rhythmic Gymnastics Individual All-Around event on Day 14 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 19, 2016 at Rio Olympic Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Runners compete in the first heat of Round One of the Men's 4x400m Relay on Day 14 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 19, 2016 at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Neymar of Brazil scores the winning penalty kick against goalkeeper Timo Horn of Germany during the Men's Football Final on Day 15 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 20, 2016 at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Brittney Griner, head coach Geno Auriemma and Sylvia Fowles of the United States celebrate winning the gold medal basketball game against Spain on Day 15 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 20, 2016 at Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant, DeAndre Jordan and Kyle Lowry of the United States celebrate after winning the gold medal game against Serbia on Day 16 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 21, 2016 at Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

Nino Schurter of Switzerland celebrates winning gold during the Men's Cross-Country on Day 16 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 21, 2016 at Mountain Bike Centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Houston Cougars wide receiver Steven Dunbar makes a one-handed catch against the Oklahoma Sooners on Sept. 3, 2016 at NRG Stadium in Houston.

The Texas Longhorns run onto the field prior to their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Sept. 4, 2016 at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant attempts to secure a catch (ruled incomplete upon review) in the end zone against New York Giants safety Landon Collins on Sept. 11, 2016 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson runs with the ball against the Florida State Seminoles on Sept. 17, 2016 at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Ky.

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts leaps over Ole Miss Rebels linebacker Terry Caldwell on Sept. 17, 2016 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss.

Usain Bolt of Jamaica holds his three gold medals from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games during a photo shoot on Sept. 22, 2016 at Time Inc. Studios in New York City.

Central Michigan Chippewas defensive lineman Donny Kyre looks on during their game against Western Michigan Broncos on Oct. 1, 2016 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Mich.

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson intercepts a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jaron Brown as he lands out of bounds on Oct. 2, 2016 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Patrick Reed of the United States reacts on the 8th green during singles matches of the Ryder Cup on Oct. 2, 2016 at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn.

Rickie Fowler of the United States looks on as his fellow team members celebrate by kissing their partners following the Ryder Cup on Oct. 2, 2016 at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn.

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams makes a catch near the goal line against Boston College Eagles defensive back Isaac Yiadom on Oct. 7, 2016 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

The Oklahoma Sooners cheerleaders prepare in the runway for the game against the Texas Longhorns on Oct. 8, 2016 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

Kurt Sorge is cheered by spectators below during his run in the Red Bull Rampage on Oct. 13, 2016 near Zion National Park in Virgin, Utah.

Chicago Vocational School football team coach Larry Williams addresses his players in the shower room during halftime of their game against King High on Oct. 15, 2016 at Gately Park in Chicago.

Fans gather outside of Wrigley Field before Game 3 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians in Chicago.

Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross misses a foul ball that is caught by teammate Anthony Rizzo (not pictured) during Game 5 of the World Series against the Cleveland Indians on Oct. 30, 2016 at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and third baseman Kris Bryant rejoice after the final out in Game 7 of the World Series against the Cleveland Indians on Nov. 2, 2016 at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray reaches for the goal line to score against the Denver Broncos on Nov. 6, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Raider Nation fans look on during the Oakland Raiders gane against the Denver Broncos on Nov. 6, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Kansas Jayhawks guard Lagerald Vick shoots against the Duke Blue Devils during the Champions Classic game on Nov. 15, 2016 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Ohio State Buckeyes fans celebrate their team's 30-27 double overtime win over the Michigan Wolverines on Nov. 26, 2016 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard shoots against the Michigan State Spartans on Nov. 29, 2016 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.

The Villanova Wildcats play against the Penn Quakers on Nov. 29, 2016 at The Palestra in Philadelphia.

Florida Gators running back Lamical Perine gets swarmed by the Alabama Crimson Tide defense during the SEC Championship game on Dec. 3, 2016 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

Wisconsin Badgers forward Ethan Happ goes up for a rebound against the Oklahoma Sooners on Dec. 3, 2016 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisc.

Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley catches a touchdown pass ahead of Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt in the fourth quarter of the Big Ten Championship game on Dec. 3, 2016 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

SI's 100 Best Photos of 2016

SI's 100 Best Photos of 2016

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