As we close the chapter on 2024, we look back on an unforgettable year in sports, marked by a myriad of iconic moments across various sporting leagues around the world. The year has served as a treasure trove of sports highlights, ranging from the grandeur of the Olympics, to the thrilling conclusion of significant professional leagues. For sports enthusiasts, 2024 was a year to remember; one that will go down in the annals of sporting history.
The year saw the Kansas City Chiefs back on top in the American Football realm, notching their second straight Super Bowl victory. Their success is largely attributed to their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, who has stage commanded this dominant run. In one of the most nerve-wracking matchups of the season, the Chiefs triumphed over the San Francisco 49ers for their third Super Bowl title in five years.
We also witnessed an unexpected sensation in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Australia’s Rachael Gunn or ‘Raygun’ as she’s fondly called, despite losing all her Olympic matches, etched a permanent mark in the Olympics lore. Her breathtaking breaking routine held the audience in awe and added an unforgettable page to the Olympic storybook.
In collegiate sports, Jim Harbaugh led the Michigan Wolverines to their first national championship since 1997, a triumph of epic proportions. After a challenging 5-7 record a year before his advent, Harbaugh’s winning run included ten victories in his inaugural year with the university, peaking with a Citrus Bowl win. His tenure culminated in an undefeated season and a triumphant national championship, reversing their fortunes and signaling a new era for Michigan.
Simone Biles—one of the most decorated gymnasts in history—made an emphatic return to the podium after facing personal struggles during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. In Paris, She shrugged off controversy to reign supreme, clinching three gold medals and a silver, thereby evidencing her undeniable skill and reinforcing her standing among gymnastic titan.
In the baseball universe, Shohei Ohtani, a phenomenal talent, etched his name in the Major League Baseball record books. He broke new ground by becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in one season, a solemn testament to his prowess. His stellar performance against the Miami Marlins included going 6-for-6 with three homers, two stolen bases, and 10 RBI, further enhancing his formidable status in the sport.
Another thrilling chapter in 2024 was scripted by Wardell Stephen Curry in the nail-biting basketball encounter against France. Trailing only by a slight margin entering the home stretch of a showdown, France had the momentum, only to be thwarted by Curry’s remarkable shooting. He sunk four consecutive three-pointers in the last three minutes of the game, swinging the match in favor of the Americans.
The 100-meter dash at the Olympics was notably marked by Noah Lyles’ delightful comeback. Amid existential doubt about his ability to clinch the gold, Lyles managed a comeback for the ages. Despite initially trailing, his late surge to the finish line left spectators and even media personnel, including NBC’s cameraman, in a state of disbelief as he eked out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson.
In the realm of Women’s basketball, Caitlin Clark stole the limelight with a portfolio of memorable feats. Clark not only bagged the WNBA Rookie of the Year award and steered the Indiana Fever to a playoff spot but also earned the prestigious Athlete of the Year accolade. Yet, her standout performance was against the LSU Tigers, where she scored an impressive 41 points in a NCAA quarterfinal, almost twice as much as any other player, advancing Iowa to the Final Four.
On the hockey rink, the Florida Panthers won their maiden Stanley Cup in a nail-biting victory against the Edmonton Oilers, showcasing their depth and versatility to withstand the dual threat posed by their star opponents. Despite facing a challenging opponent, the Panthers left their mark on the face of the league by clinching a close Game 7 and lifting their inaugural Stanley Cup.
The grand finale of sports moments in 2024 revolves around the golden moment etched by Freddie Freeman. After a tied match drove the opening game of the World Series into extra innings, it looked like the Yankees held the upper hand. But with the bases loaded, Freeman shifted the tides with a history-making walk-off grand slam – a World Series first. Freeman’s stellar overall performance earned him a well-deserved World Series MVP title, rendering the perfect close to a thrilling year of sports.