Another year to remember in the world of sports
The past 12 months have been jam-packed with major sporting moments; Here are four events that will live long in the memory
THERE are just 10 days to go before we bid farewell to 2024 and usher in a brand new year, and sports fans will reflect on another brilliant year that has delivered dozens of memorable moments. Here are four events – in no particular order – that stood out for me in the always unpredictable world of sports.
Nadal retires; Djokovic presses on
One of the true greats of tennis, Rafael Nadal, called it a day in November after Spain’s exit from the Davis Cup. The undisputed “King of Clay” – who won 22 Grand Slam titles including 14 French Opens, a record that may never be broken – saw his 23-year professional career end on an emotional night in Malaga after Spain lost to the Netherlands.
The 38-year-old Spaniard had arguably lost some of his shine on the court towards the tail end of his career due to numerous injuries, but what matters is he departed on his own terms. Nadal amassed a total of 1,080 wins on the singles tour, and his haul of 92 singles titles are the fifth-highest since the Open Era began in 1968.
“The titles, numbers, they are there,” he told the crowd after that final match on Nov 19 in Malaga. “People probably know that. The way I’d like to be remembered more is like a good person from a small village in Mallorca.” With Roger Federer and Andy Murray also retired, the only man left from tennis’ Big Four is Novak Djokovic, who continued to win big this year. The Serb won the Olympic gold medal at the Paris Olympics, making him the latest member of the “Golden Slam” club. With 24 Grand Slam titles to his name, the big question is whether the Serb, even at the age of 37, can add to his trophy cabinet in 2025.
Tyson’s big comeback
The 58-year-old boxing legend, Mike Tyson, donned his gloves once again in November when he faced former YouTube and Disney star Jake Paul, a man 31 years his junior.
Perhaps the pre-match hype was just too much, but this eight-round battle never really got out of second gear. Tyson looked sluggish and struggled to land any meaningful punches on his younger, speedier opponent. Paul won by unanimous decision, although the 70,000-plus fans at the stadium in Texas and millions more watching on Netflix were less than enthralled.
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Still, it was quite a sight to see Tyson, a true boxing heavyweight icon, get back in the ring and go the distance. His last professional victory was in 2003, and he last fought in an exhibition match four years ago.
Spain wins Euro 2024 in style
The European Championships in Germany had it all – breathtaking goals, drama on and off the pitch, the emergence of young stars, underdogs punching well above their weight, and a champion that many did not expect.
In the end, it was a youthful Spain – with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Neco Williams and Rodri in the squad – that won a record-breaking fourth European title after beating England 2-1 in the final in Berlin.
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Fans in Singapore had to do their best to stay up and catch the action, with many of the games kicking off at midnight or 3 am. Those who did so were rewarded with some rip-roaring encounters, including Spain’s extra-time win over the hosts Germany; Turkey’s amazing 2-1 win over Austria after an unbelievable injury-time stop from Turkish goalkeeper Mert Gunok; and Croatia’s last-gasp draw with Italy in the group stage.
Leon Marchand rules the pool
There are countless stories to recall from the summer’s Paris Olympics, including American gymnast Simone Biles’ brilliant performance that brought her four medals; three nations including St Lucia winning their first-ever medal; and Olympians swimming in the once heavily polluted Seine River.
But it was France’s “golden boy” Leon Marchand and his incredible feats in the pool that many will fondly remember. The 22-year-old almost blew the roof off the La Defense Arena with his performances that saw him claim five medals –four of them gold, setting an Olympic record each time. In all, he competed in 14 races in seven days.
Fans in Singapore even got the chance to witness Marchand’s superhuman feats up close, as the Frenchman graced the Singapore leg of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup. At the OCBC Aquatics Centre, he made history as the first to swim under 1 min 49 seconds at the 200-metre individual medley (short cource), winning in a world-record time of 1:48.88.
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