Prepare to be blown away by the best sports photographs of the year so far

Being a sports photographer is a tough job.

You need plenty of patience as you wait for the right moment. But when that moment arrives the perfect sports photo requires speed of thought, imagination and flair to capture the moment. But most of all you need talent. Here are a selection of some of the best sports photos of the year so far. They are pretty spectacular. The only way is down Gary Hunt competes in the Men's 27m High Diving Final at the World Championships in Russia in August. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) You wouldn't want to have a fear of heights Austria's Stefan Kraft takes off during the Ski Jumping World Cup in January. (Photo by Stanko Gruden/Agence Zoom/Getty Images). You get his head, I'll get his neck Luke Charteris of Wales in action during the RBS Six Nations match between Italy and Wales. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) Walk this way Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood throws his jacket in celebration against QPR in April. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images,) Roaring success Jamie Vardy celebrates scoring against West Brom during Leicester's miraculous escape from relegation. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) Out of reach Adam Federici of Reading stretches for the ball as he fails to stop a shot by Alexis Sanchez during the FA Cup semi final. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Head first Ginger Huber of the USA dives from a 20 metre cliff in Portugal during the first round of the fifth stop of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. (Photo by Dean Treml/Red Bull via Getty Images) The name's Paul Irish amateur Paul Dunne plays out of a bunker at the Open Championship in St Andrew's en route to announcing himself to the world. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) Money, money, money Comedian Simon Brodkin (not pictured) throws dollar bills at FIFA President Sepp Blatter. (Photo by Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images) Shane's the man Shane Lowry of Ireland hits out of a bunker during the final round of the World Golf Championships. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) Are you 'avin' a laugh? Usain Bolt talks with Justin Gatlin after beating him in the 200m final of the IAAF World Athletics Championships. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) Here's Gommy! Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis' trademark celebration captured brilliantly. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Serving up a storm Sara Errani serves during the US Open. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) Pride Canada sing their national anthem before the pre-Rugby World Cup International Friendly match with Fiji. (Photo by Ker Robertson/Getty Images) Wrapped in a Bowe Tommy Bowe gets to grips with Mike Brown at Twickenham. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) Charge Runners and riders compete at the Laytown races during the one day annual meet on September 10. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) All they need is an inch Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers gets his pass away against the Jaguars. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) The joy Ireland's Robbie Henshaw scores a try past Alex Goode as supporters rise to their feet. (Photo by INPHO/Colm O'Neill) Two stories Niamh Briggs of the victorious women's team celebrates beaten Wales. (Photo by INPHO/Dan Sheridan) It's mine Conor McGregor takes Jose Aldo's belt in Dublin. (Photo by INPHO/Cathal Noonan) I can make it Keith Earls reaches over Iain Henderson during Munster's clash with Ulster. (Photo by INPHO/Morgan Treacy) Legend Paul O'Connell leaves Thomond Park. (Photo by INPHO/Ryan Byrne) Cheese Barbarians take on Ireland XV at Thomond. (Photo by INPHO/Billy Stickland)   Back of the net Wicklow goalkeeper Robert Lambert is beaten from the penalty spot by Meath's Andrew Tormey. (Photo by INPHO/Morgan Treacy) Jumping with joy Team Ireland's Thomas Barr (University of Limerick) celebrates after winning the Men's 400m hurdles at the World University Games. (Photo by INPHO/Cathal Noonan) Top scorer Fermanagh's Sean Quigley celebrates beating Roscommon at the final whistle. (Photo by INPHO/Presseye/Andrew Paton) The stare Just Roy Keane. (Photo by INPHO/Donall Farmer) Easy! Ballydavid Blueberry ridden by Anna Dangerfield misbehaves at the end of the Connemara Performance Hunter Championship. (Photo by INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan) On me head, son Cork City's Kevin O'Connor and Karl Sheppard collide. (Photo by INPHO/Donall Farmer) Dublin skyline Picturesque view of Leinster v Moseley in a pre-season friendly in Donnybrook. (Photo by INPHO/Dan Sheridan) Hope of a nation Jon Walters celebrates with Wes Hoolahan after delivering victory against Georgia. (Photo by INPHO/Donall Farmer) Oblivious Sisters Emily and Lucy McCarthy play in the sand at Laytown Racing. (Photo by INPHO/Ryan Byrne) In the spotlight Limerick players celebrate winning the U21 All-Ireland hurling championship. (Photo by INPHO/Cathal Noonan) Giant killer Shane Long fires past Manuel Neuer as Ireland secure a historic victory against world champions Germany. (Photo by INPHO/Donall Farmer) [caption id="attachment_46363" align="alignnone" width="800"] [/caption]