Sport Shortlist

Munirah Abdiwahid is a British-Somali female taekwondo athlete whose eyes are firmly set on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Hailing from White City in London, England, she has grit, determination and focus, coupled with strong family and community support. Matthew Joseph was drawn to produce a short film that not only showcases Munirah’s journey, but also the wider values that she represents. These still images accompany the film, which shares the title, This Sport Belongs To Them. Filming took place in the church hall where Munirah’s taekwondo club regularly trains, adding another cultural angle to her Somali-Muslim background. This perfectly encapsulates the core values shared by all involved, with community at the heart of everything. This is a project about empowerment, dedication to a cause and a message to the world that everyone has a right to pursue their dreams.

My passion for photography has introduced me to many different cultures, climates and experiences over the years. The people I meet and the light and sights I see, continually inspire and propel me on an ever-evolving creative journey. I consider it a privilege.

I’m a visual storyteller drawn to raw and authentic human emotion and I create images centred around people and life. I strive to keep my imagery honest and relatable, all delivered with a touch of cinematic gloss.