It was 'extremely' challenging to pick a 1st place. I changed my mind a number of times to 'rank' my selection of the top 4 entries I name below...

Each of my 'top 4' depicted a sense of' EXTREME or the interpretation of EXTREME very differently which made it very difficult to pick #1.
In the end the nod went (finally) to Michael Burlak's 'troublemaker',

So many 'extremes' (interpreted as opposite ends of a spectrum) can be interpreted in this image (whether intended or not

active vs passive,
older (= mature?) vs younger(immature ?

airborne vs 'grounded',
energy vs 'at rest'..
extroversion vs introversion (?).
you can carry on and on...,
The other 3 candidates (in no order) of my top 4 shortlist was
Dominic Cantin's Snow Owl

To me - living in South Africa - that looks extremely cold and I the snow owl 'meeting you gaze' completely at ease in this harsh environment works for me
Fishit's image of 'Brother Phillip'

I've always had some admiration for street corner 'preachers' - not so much for what they say - but for their dedication - for being there day in and day out - hoping to turn one to their cause... extreme dedication... Presenting it in B&W contributes as well to his message - the message often is that there is a right way and there is a wrong way - it is either black or it is white...

and, then
Maaike Huizer(emmelafoto)'s sixth sense.

I found myself returning to this image a number of times. 'extreme' indeed. I find it difficult to express exactly what it is that draws me to this picture all the time - but whatever it is - it is effective...

It is also interesting to read the comment and comments on this image when clicking through to the the actual image.
I'm also pleased that I discovered Maaike Huizer'sportfolio which I am sure I will visit often in the future to see new work...
Outside the top 4, I also enjoyed (in no particular order) the following interpretation or depiction (?) of the topic EXTREME:
- berndk's interpretation with his image 'extrimities',

- ifusec's image of new life after 'extreme' destructive natural forces

- wienerman's depiction of extreme bravery (or should that be extreme stu...


- sandiwhi's image of the supersized horns on that 'Watusi' (?).

What a pleasure also to discover your galleries Sandi.
- kirstenmary's 'extreme fashion' image of her daughters (from a delightful gallery called 'crossing jordan')

- Michael Burlaks's image of the lion cub pulling at dad's beard.

As indicated above, through evaluating the images entered for this competition I discovered many new galleries which are now in my favourites list - not all of them acknowledged in this thread.
Thank you to all that entered and over to you Michael...