MacNicol image named top swimming pic of 2012

A GLASGOW photographer who specialises in sport has had one of his images named the best swimming picture of last year.

Freelancer, Ian MacNicol, was named the winner of an annual competition run by FINA, the international governing body of swimming, diving, water polo, synchronised swimming and open water swimming.

The victorious image was of South African, Chad le Clos winning gold in the 200 metre butterfly at last year’s Olympic Games in London.

Runner-up was the USA’s Al Bello, arguably the world’s best-known swimming photographer.

MacNicol’s several other awards include being either commended or highly commended in the sports category of the UK Picture Editors’ Guild awards.