After all the cancellations and postponements caused by the pandemic in 2020, it was a bumper year of sport in 2021. The stagings of the Olympic Games, European Championship, Copa America, and Ryder Cup - all delayed from 2020 - meant this past 12 months had even more memorable moments beyond the annual leagues, events, and competitions across the world of sport.
With 2021 set to make way for 2022 - which also promises to be a massive year - The National's sports desk have selected their favourite moments from the past 12 months.
Jon Turner, Assistant Sports Editor
Favourite moment
Anna Kiesenhofer celebrates stunning gold: The final few minutes of the women's road race at the Tokyo Olympics was absolutely remarkable. Austria's Kiesenhofer, an amateur cyclist and full-time mathematics professor, had collapsed to the ground, overcome with emotion and exhaustion after stunning the field to win gold. Such was the shock of Kiesenhofer's triumph that while she was on the ground, the Netherlands' Annemiek van Vleuten - one of the most decorated cyclists in the world - crossed the finish line arms aloft thinking she had won gold, only to be told she had taken silver, more than a minute behind the champion.
Best performance
Tadej Pogacar, Tour de France: Such was the fear Pogacar struck into his rivals ahead of the Tour de France, opposition teams assembled superstar line-ups designed specifically to prevent the Slovenian from retaining the yellow jersey he won in 2020. There was no stopping the UAE Team Emirates star, though, as Pogacar once again destroyed the field and tamed the course to solidify his status as the best road cyclist on the planet.
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Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey is flanked by teammates en route to victory at the Tour de France in Paris on Sunday, July 18, 2021. -
Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey during the 21st stage of the Tour de France in Paris on Sunday. -
UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogacar retained his Tour de France title on Sunday. -
Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, with the peloton during the neutral start of the 21st and last stage of the Tour de France. -
Team Jumbo–Visma rider Jonas Vingegaard wearing the white jersey, UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogacar wearing the yellow jersey, Deceuninck–Quick-Step rider Mark Cavendish wearing the green jersey, and Bahrain Victorious rider Wout Poels with the polka dot jersey. -
Tadej Pogacar with his UAE Team Emirates teammates. -
Tadej Pogacar won the Tour de France 2021 on Sunday in Paris. -
Tadej Pogacar of the UAE Team Emirates with the peloton. -
Tadej Pogacar, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, greets Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard, wearing the best young rider's white jersey.
Best event
Tokyo Olympics: Delayed by 12 months and staged behind closed doors amid strict health and safety measures, the Tokyo Olympics was given every reason to be a disastrous failure. It had its hiccups, but it was a wonderful spectacle, with new events climbing, skateboarding, and surfing proving popular, fairytale gold medal triumphs, and Simone Biles bringing the mental health conversation into even sharper focus.
Biggest shock
Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona: Even with Barcelona's crippling financial problems, no one actually expected their greatest ever player to leave the club. But on the evening of August 5, Barca released a statement to announce Messi was leaving after a new deal collapsed "due to economic obstacles". It brought to an end Messi's 23-year association with Barca, for whom he scored a record 672 goals in 778 games, winning 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, seven Copa del Reys, and three Fifa Club World Cups.
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PSG's Lionel Messi waves during players presentations before the French League One match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. -
Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi enters the pitch during a presentation ceremony prior to the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Racing Club Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. -
PSG's Lionel Messi runs during players presentations before the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. -
Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain acknowledges the fans as he is introduced to the fans prior to the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg at Parc des Princes in Paris, France. -
Paris Saint-Germain's new recruits Lionel Messi (R), Gianluigi Donnarumma (C), Achraf Hakimi (L), Sergio Ramos (2R), Georginio Wijnaldum (2L) greet their fans during their presentation at the half-time of the French Ligue 1 soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France. -
PSG's Lionel Messi during players presentation before the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. -
Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi waves hands to the supporters during a presentation ceremony prior to the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Racing Club Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. -
Paris Saint-Germain's new recruits Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos greet their fans during their presentation at the half-time of the French Ligue 1 soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France. -
(From L) Paris Saint-Germain's Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain's Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, Paris Saint-Germain's Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Paris Saint-Germain's Spanish defender Sergio Ramos and Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi pose during a presentation ceremony prior to the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Racing Club Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
Biggest controversy
Euro 2020 final fan chaos: It should have been a moment to celebrate for English football - their national team competing in a major final for the first time since 1966. Instead, the occasion - before, during and after - was tarnished by acts of vandalism, ticketless fans attempting to rush Wembley Stadium, and racist abuse aimed at the three players to miss penalties in the shootout. Football still has a long way to come.
Favourite comeback
Tiger Woods back on the range: In February, Woods was involved in a dangerous car crash from which he was lucky to escape alive. Speaking recently, the 15-time major winner revealed it was touch and go whether he would need his leg amputated. So when a short clip was posted to his Twitter account of Woods striping balls on the range again, the golf world went into meltdown. Woods is still some way short of returning to the tour but the sight of golf's most influential player back.
Looking forward to most in 2022
The next instalment of Verstappen v Hamilton: Formula One witnessed one of the greatest title battles in history last season, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen essentially clinching the trophy on the last lap of the last race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Given the way the season unfolded and ultimately ended, there is huge fascination about how the next instalment will play out.
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Emma Raducanu of Great Britain poses with the championship trophy after defeating Leylah Annie Fernandez of Canada to win the 2021 women's US Open. AFP -
Emma Raducanu, of Britain, poses outside Arthur Ashe Stadium with the championship trophy. AP Photo -
Leylah Fernandez of Canada reacts after winning a point against Emma Raducanu of Great Britain. Reuters -
Britain's Emma Raducanu celebrates with the trophy after winning the 2021 US Open. AFP -
Emma Raducanu of Great Britain celebrates with the championship trophy after defeating Leylah Annie Fernandez of Canada. Getty Images -
Leylah Annie Fernandez of Canada celebrates with the runner-up trophy. AFP -
The bloodied knee of Britain's Emma Raducanu is seen as she celebrates after winning the 2021 US Open. AFP -
Britain's Emma Raducanu celebrates after winning the 2021 US Open. AFP -
Britain's Emma Raducanu hugs Canada's Leylah Fernandez after winning the 2021 US Open. AFP -
Emma Raducanu of Great Britain celebrates with the championship trophy and ball kids after defeating Leylah Annie Fernandez of Canada. AFP -
Leylah Annie Fernandez of Canada holds the runner-up trophy as Emma Raducanu of Great Britain celebrates with the championship trophy alongside Billie Jean King, Stacey Allaster, USTA Chief Executive, and USTA President Mike McNulty. AFP -
Fans watch British teenager Emma Raducanu compete with Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez in the US Open final at The Parklangley Club, in Beckenham, England. AP -
Emma Raducanu of Great Britain celebrates defeating Leylah Annie Fernandez of Canada. AFP -
Leylah Annie Fernandez of Canada holds the runner-up trophy as Emma Raducanu of Great Britain celebrates with the championship trophy. AFP -
Emma Raducanu of Great Britain celebrate. AFP -
Emma Raducanu of Great Britain returns the ball against Leylah Annie Fernandez of Canada. AFP -
Suzanne Williams, Strength and Conditioning coach for Emma Raducanu aged 8-12, watches the US Open tennis match remotely at the Parklangley Club in Beckenham, England, as she celebrates Raducanu winning. PA -
Emma Raducanu of Great Britain celebrates winning championship point to defeat Leylah Annie Fernandez of Canada. AFP -
Leylah Fernandez of Canada hits a backhand against Emma Raducanu of Great Britain. Reuters -
Emma Raducanu of Great Britain celebrates with fans. EPA -
Britain's Emma Raducanu celebrates with the trophy. AFP -
Emma Raducanu of Great Britain reacts after defeating Lelyah Fernandez of Canada to win the US Open final. EPA
Dominic Hart, Sports Editor
Favourite moment
Emma Raducanu wins US Open: It was a story good enough for a Hollywood script as the British teenager cruised through qualifying and into the main draw - and then won the tournament without dropping a set. It was breathtaking stuff, all performed with such joy and excitement.
Best performance
England beat Germany 2-0, Euro 2020: A historic night at Wembley. The Three Lions struck twice late on to end a 55-year wait for a knockout tie victory over Germany and reach the tournament quarter-finals. Just edges out Rachael Blackmore becoming the first female jockey to win the Grand National.
Best event
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: It might have been controversial, and it might have been unfair, but what a day! At last the whole Formula One season came down to the last race, and eventually the last lap. It wasn't Max Verstappen's fault that he was allowed one shot at Lewis Hamilton, and his manoeuvre to take the title was thrilling.
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Race winner and 2021 F1 world champion Max Verstappen and his Red Bull Racing team celebrate on the podium after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on December 12, 2021. Victor Besa / The National -
Verstappen fought off Lewis Hamilton in a nail-biting finish. Victor Besa / The National -
Verstappen runs to celebrate with his team. Victor Besa / The National -
The Dutch driver clinched the race and the championship on the final lap. Victor Besa / The National -
Race fans cheer as Verstappen wins. Victor Besa / The National -
Verstappen enjoys that winning feeling. Reuters -
Verstappen drinks in the moment as Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton looks dejected after finishing second. Reuters -
Verstappen and Hamilton go head to head on the track. Victor Besa / The National -
An Etihad Airways flyover before the race. The airline sponsored the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Victor Besa / The National -
Verstappen in action. Victor Besa / The National -
Hamilton took an early lead. Victor Besa / The National -
Verstappen and Hamilton led the championship going into the final race. Victor Besa / The National -
The start of the race. Reuters -
Drivers pose for their end-of-season picture before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. AP -
Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel before the race. Reuters -
Fans of Verstappen and Hamilton before the race. Reuters -
Hamilton looks relaxed before the race. Reuters -
Verstappen looks like he means business. Reuters -
Hamilton soaks up the early atmosphere. Victor Besa / The National -
Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas with his girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell. Victor Besa / The National -
Verstappen arrives at the circuit with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet. Reuters -
Hamilton on the Yas Marina Circuit. AFP
Biggest shock
Novak Djokovic losing the US Open final: The Serb appeared invincible at times, and was heading for his fourth Grand Slam title of the season until Russia's Daniil Medvedev won his first in a one-sided US Open final. Maybe, just maybe, the old guard are moving on.
Biggest controversy
German coach thrown out of the Olympics for punching a horse: It was during the modern pentathlon and the horse, Saint Boy, was playing up for coach Kim Raisner's tearful athlete Annika Schleu. Pictures went global of Raisner striking the horse with her fist and she was sent home in disgrace. Quite right too.
Favourite comeback
Mark Cavendish: He came back from almost retiring from cycling to win four stages at the Tour de France and the green jersey and become, with Eddy Merckx, the winner of the most stages at the biggest event in the sport.
Looking forward to most in 2022
The World Cup in the winter. A different time of year because of the heat means the European sides should be full of energy in Qatar rather than competing at the end of a mammoth season. Could England finally end 56 years of hurt?
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Stadium 974 in Doha that will host matches at the 2022 Fifa World Cup. It has a capacity of 40,000. AFP -
The Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar. Capacity: 40,000. AFP -
The Khalifa International Stadium. AFP -
The Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan. Capacity: 45,000. AFP -
The Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan. AFP -
The Lusail Stadium is around 20 km north of Doha. Capacity: 80,000. AFP -
The Lusail Stadium in Qatar. AFP -
The Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. Capacity: 60,000. AFP -
The Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah. Capacity: 40,000. AFP -
The Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar. AFP -
The Al Thumama Stadium in Doha. Capacity: 40,000. AFP -
The Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan. Capacity: 44,000. AFP -
The Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. AFP
Gareth Cox, Assistant Sports Editor
Favourite moment
Denmark reach Euro 2020 knockout stage: Just nine days after the horror of seeing teammate Christian Eriksen collapse on the pitch after a suffering cardiac arrest in their opening game against Finland, Denmark thrashed Russia 4-1 on the same pitch in Copenhagen to seal their place in the Euros' knockout stage. An emotional night for Danish players and fans alike.
Best performance
Djokovic beats king of clay Nadal at French Open: It has been some year for the Serb, winning three out of four Grand Slams, but his four-set French Open semi-final victory over Nadal was particularly spectacular. Nadal, aiming for a record-extending 14th title in Paris, lost at Roland Garros for only the third time in 108 matches in a classic battle. "It was one of the top three matches in my life," said Djokovic afterwards.
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Italy players celebrate winning the penalty shoot-out against England in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley Stadium on July 21, 2021. AP -
Italy players celebrate winning the penalty shoot-out against England in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley Stadium on July 21, 2021. PA -
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saves from England's Jadon Sancho during the penalty shootout. -
England defender Luke Shaw celebrates after scoring. -
England captain Harry Kane battles for a header with Giorgio Chiellini of Italy. -
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is beaten by Luke Shaw's early strike. -
Italy manager Roberto Mancini with his England counterpart Gareth Southgate in the background. -
England midfielder Kalvin Phillips fights for the ball with Italy's Federico Chiesa. -
Luke Shaw scores for England. -
Leonardo Bonucci taps home for Italy. -
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford talks to his teammates during the first half. -
England fans at Wembley. -
England celebrate after Luke Shaw's goal. -
England manager Gareth Southgate consoles Jadon Sancho following defeat at Wembley. -
Italy's Matteo Pessina with the trophy.
Best event
Euro 2020: Questions were rightly asked about how sensible it was to play the delayed tournament across 11 countries with a pandemic still ongoing. But the extended competition felt like the lift football fans across the continent needed after the Covid-ravaged previous months.
Biggest shock
Raducanu wins US Open: The idea that an 18-year-old qualifier from the UK could win a Grand Slam final without dropping a set simply did not compute ... until Emma Raducanu's frankly ludicrous US Open run in September. A mind-blowing performance from a player who only made her WTA main-draw debut in June.
Biggest controversy
Final lap of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: In a bitter rollercoaster battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton for the world title, it was fitting that the final race should end in such dramatic fashion. Hamilton was set to be champion for a record eighth time until a late crash brought on a safety car that would allow Verstappen the chance to snatch the title in a one-lap race-off. A bonkers end to a barmy season.
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WBC champion Tyson Fury knocks out Deontay Wilder in the 11th round of their incredible heavyweight title fight in Las Vegas in October, 2021. EPA -
Tyson Fury on his way to the ring for his WBC heavyweight title fight with Deontay Wilder at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas on October 9, 2021. AFP -
Deontay Wilder makes his entrance before the fight. Reuters -
Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder prepare to fight. Reuters -
Fury in action against Deontay Wilder in round one. Reuters -
Tyson Fury on the front foot. Reuters -
Tyson Fury lands a punch on US challenger Deontay Wilder. AFP -
Tyson Fury on the attack. Reuters -
Deontay Wilder is knocked down by Tyson Fury in the third round. Reuters -
Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder. Reuters -
Deontay Wilder knocks down Tyson Fury in the fourth round. Reuters -
Tyson Fury reacts after being knocked down by Deontay Wilder. Reuters -
Tyson Fury gets up after he was knocked down twice in the fourth round. AP -
Tyson Fury was in big trouble in the fourth round. Reuters -
Tyson Fury receives attention in his corner. Reuters -
Tyson Fury fights back against Deontay Wilder. EPA -
Deontay Wilder goes down on one knee as the referee holds back Tyson Fury during round six. AFP -
Tyson Fury in action against Deontay Wilder in an incredible fight. Reuters -
The action continued at a frenetic pace as Fury started to edge ahead on the scorecards. AP -
Deontay Wilder swings at Tyson Fury as the battle continuedn into round nine. AP -
Tyson Fury raises his arms after knocking down Wilder in the tenth round - but that wasn't the end. Reuters -
Deontay Wilder is given the count in round ten. Reuters -
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury knocks out US challenger Deontay Wilder in the 11th round. AFP -
What a fight! Tyson Fury knocks out Deontay Wilder. Reuters -
Tyson Fury KOs Deontay Wilder in the 11th round. AFP -
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury starts his celebrations. AFP -
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury after his victory against US challenger Deontay Wilder in the 11th round. AFP -
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury after his victory against US challenger Deontay Wilder in the 11th round. AFP -
Tyson Fury celebrates after defeating Deontay Wilder to retain his title. AP -
Tyson Fury after winning the fight against Deontay Wilder. Reuters -
Tyson Fury's team celebrate. Reuters -
Tyson Fury gives an interview after the fight. Reuters -
Tyson Fury celebrates with his wife Paris. Reuters -
Tyson Fury poses for a photograph with promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum, trainer SugarHill Steward, wife, Paris and team during a press conference after Fury won the fight against Deontay Wilder. Reuters -
Tyson Fury poses for a photograph with promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum, trainer SugarHill Steward and commentator, Crystina Poncher. Reuters -
Tyson Fury during a press conference after winning the fight against Deontay Wilder, as promoter Bob Arum looks on. Reuters -
Promoters Bob Arum and Frank Warren. Reuters -
Tyson Fury poses for a photograph with promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum. Reuters -
Tyson Fury and trainer SugarHill Steward with the belts during a press conference. Reuters -
Tyson Fury speaks on his phone during a press conference after winning the fight against Deontay Wilder. Reuters
Favourite comeback
Fury back from brink against Wilder ... again: Deontay Wilder must surely now be wondering what he has to do to beat Tyson Fury. In their superb trilogy bout, Fury was down twice in Round 4 only for the Brit to twice drag himself off the canvas before going on to bash the American around the ring until securing victory in the 11th.
Looking forward to most in 2022
The unstoppable rise of Newcastle United: OK, I have my black and white sunglasses firmly fitted on face for this one. And there is a distinct possibility that Newcastle could be relegated this season, despite the backing of their new Saudi owners. But after the wasted years of the Mike Ashley era, it feels like us Magpie fans can finally dare to dream again.
Ajit Vijaykumar, Assistant Sports Editor
Favourite moment
Neeraj Chopra winning gold: For a country the size of India, their record at the Olympic Games is shockingly poor. But this year, they achieved the seemingly impossible – an individual gold in track and field. Neeraj Chopra’s javelin gold at the Tokyo Games erased years of pain for the country, and started a javelin revolution in every corner of India.
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India's Neeraj Chopra won gold in javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics on Saturday, August 7, 2021. Reuters -
Neeraj Chopra, of India, competes in the men's javelin throw final at the Tokyo Olympics. AP -
Neeraj Chopra of India celebrates after winning gold in the men's javelin throw. -
Neeraj Chopra won's India second ever individual Olympic gold on Saturday. -
Neeraj Chopra competes in the men's javelin final. -
Neeraj Chopra celebrates his gold medal. -
Jakub Vadlejch of Team Czech Republic grabbed silver in the men's javelin throw. -
Vitezslav Vesely of Team Czech Republic took bronze.
Best performance
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Euro 2020: The Italy goalkeeper played a decisive role in taking his team to the Euro 2020 final, starring in a penalty shootout win over Spain. Then at the Wembley final, he saved three successive England spot kicks in another shootout to seal the title. The player of the tournament and the star of Italian renaissance.
Best event
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: For the sheer drama before, during and right at the end of the F1 season finale, the Abu Dhabi GP was brilliant. A shocking call at the final lap turned the championship into a one-lap contest, with favourite Lewis Hamilton looking on as the title slipped away from his grasp for no fault of his. It was controversial, but spectacular.
Biggest shock
Kohli ouster: A couple of years ago, the mere suggestion of Virat Kohli losing his position as India captain, or having it taken away, would have met with a shrug of the shoulders. But not only did he relinquish his India T20 and IPL leadership, he was unceremoniously dumped as ODI captain – through one line at the end of a media release.
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India's Virat Kohli has become just the fourth athlete to gain 100 million followers on Instagram. Reuters -
Portuguese great Cristiano Ronaldo has the most followers on Instagram at a staggering 266 million, as of March 2, 2021. AFP -
Barcelona and Argentina legend Lionel Messi - 187 million. AP -
Brazil and PSG star Neymar - 147 million. Reuters -
NBA star LeBron James - 80.2 million. AFP -
English football great David Beckham - 65.4 million. AFP -
Brazilian icon Ronaldinho - 53.8 million. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Everton's James Rodriguez - 46.5 million. Getty -
Real Madrid's Marcelo - 46.3 million. AP -
Tottenham's Gareth Bale - 43.6 million. EPA
Biggest controversy
Football violence: Unfortunately, French football was littered with fan violence throughout the year, with players finding themselves in dangerous situations. With the pandemic, many thought supporters would appreciate the spectacle of football from the stands more than ever, especially with the biggest star – Lionel Messi – playing. Big mistake.
Favourite comeback
Ben Stokes: The England all-rounder had taken an indefinite break from cricket “to prioritise mental wellbeing” and mend his injured finger. His return to the England setup showed that it is perfectly fine to walk away from the limelight to focus on yourself, and then come back only when comfortable to do so.
Looking forward to most in 2022
What happens to the Big Three? Rafael Nadal is slowly making his way back to fitness. Roger Federer is likely to make his comeback from surgery only by the middle of 2022. Novak Djokovic is the only fit member of the ‘Big Three’ of tennis. We will now know if the veteran stars have it in them to get back on top, or whether the next generation will finally take over.
Steve Luckings, Deputy Sports Editor
Favourite moment
Watching Beth Shriever win BMX Olympic gold: Full disclosure: when BMX racing and skateboarding were added to the Olympics programme, I barely batted an eyelid. If anything, eyes were rolled at a lame attempt by the International Olympic Committee to appeal to a younger generation. By the end of the Games, though, I was a convert. Beth Shriever won BMX racing Olympic gold minutes after her Great Britain teammate Kye Whyte secured silver in the men’s event. Shriever's story emboldened the Olympic spirit like few others. The 22-year-old needed crowdfunding just to make it to Tokyo, and pulled off a stunning win in the final to hold off defending champion Mariana Pajon of Colombia.
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Great Britain's Bethany Shriever collects her gold medal alongside Colombia's Mariana Pajon (silver) and Netherlands' Merel Smulders (bronze) for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park. -
Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their gold and silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing. -
Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate. -
Gold medallist Bethany Shriever celebrates on the podium. -
Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their gold and silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing. -
Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate. -
Britain's Bethany Shriever, right, competes in the cycling BMX racing women's final. -
Britain's Bethany Shriever celebrates after winning the cycling BMX racing women's final. -
Kye Whyte of Britain lays on the track after winning the silver medal in the men's BMX Racing final. -
Britain's Kye Whyte celebrates on the podium. -
Great Britain's Kye Whyte in action. -
Britain's Kye Whyte and Netherlands' Niek Kimmann compete in the cycling BMX racing men's final.
Best performance
Fury signing off epic Wilder trilogy: If there was any doubt who the undisputed champ of boxing's traditional blue ribband division was heading into their third fight, Tyson Fury quashed it on October 9. Fury arguably already held the title for best performance by an English boxer overseas with his seven-round destruction of Wilder in their second fight in February 2020. But his performance in their trilogy fight fortified his position as the best in the heavyweight division. Fury's tactics were spot on, coming in at the heaviest weight of his career to nullify the 'Bronze Bomber's' fearsome one-punch power.
Best event
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Even by Hollywood standards the scenario seemed far fetched. A showdown between title rivals in the final race of the season, winner takes all. Belief was asked to be further suspended when a crash towards the end brought out the safety car resulting in a straight shootout between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen on the final lap. The Dutchman took the chequered flag in front of a sea of Oranje-clad fans. I'm still kicking myself that I had to pass up a ticket to Yas Marina Circuit.
Biggest shock
England fans at Euro 2020 final: What should have been a day of celebration turned into a national embarrassment even before kick off. The sight of fans storming barriers and involved in violent clashes with police, stewards and each other shone a spotlight on a issue that, contrary to what some believe, is a problem getting worse in English football. The racist abuse aimed at England's black players after the penalty shootout defeat to Italy was just as sickening but no less surprising. It also highlighted the irony of the English FA complaining about the vile chants aimed at their players in countries like Bulgaria when they face the same abuse on an almost weekly basis at home.
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Antonio Conte, coach of Tottenham, during the training session in Enfield, England. All photos: Getty Images -
Antonio Conte, new coach of Tottenham Hotspur. -
Antonio Conte, the new coach of Tottenham Hotspur. -
Ben Davies, Heung-Min Son and Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur. -
Antonio Conte explains what he wants to his players. -
Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son, Cristian Romero and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg at Tottenham training. -
Emerson Royal and Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur. -
Antonio Conte, head coach of Tottenham Hotspur.
Favourite comeback
Antonio Conte to the Premier League: After parting ways with Inter Milan after guiding the Nerazzuri to the 2021 Serie A title, Conte held talks with Tottenham regarding the vacant manager's job. After the death-by-a-thousand cuts reign of Jose Mourinho, Spurs signalled genuine ambition in their attempts to lure Conte back to the Premier League. When talks with the Italian broke down, so it seemed did Spurs' aspirations. Nuno Espirito Santo was installed but was sacked 48 hours after an embarrassing 3-0 home defeat to Manchester United. Spurs returned to the negotiating table and on November 2 appointed Conte as their new head coach on a contract until 2023. Cue an immediate uptick in results and performances as well as a 'Conte Cam' on the club's social media channels dedicated to the coach's touchline antics.
Looking forward to most in 2022
The Qatar World Cup: The first global finals to be held in the Middle East will take place closer to the start of most domestic seasons, instead of at the end when most players are knackered. Hard to say who that will benefit, but it should raise the standard significantly.
