The remarkable level of consistency displayed by Scheffler is truly impressive, and what’s even more astonishing is that he has shown improvement every year since joining the Tour. At only 28 years old, he may not have reached his peak yet. While Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka have been standout golfers in the post-Tiger era with four and five majors, respectively, Scheffler, with his two Masters titles, is not far behind. If Scheffler continues on his current path, there’s a strong possibility that he could eventually be counted among the all-time greats, especially considering his extensive experience and career earnings exceeding $71 million. It wouldn’t be surprising if he shifts his focus to pursuing more major victories in the future.
Despite his successes, replicating a year like this one for Scheffler may prove challenging, given the unique circumstances that unfolded, including legal issues and widespread recognition in the golfing world. He dominated the sport like no other athlete, creating a substantial gap between himself and his competitors.
In the realm of sports, Caitlin Clark stood out as a captivating figure over the past year, surpassing the NCAA all-time scoring record in college basketball and drawing considerable attention to the women’s side of March Madness. Her presence in the WNBA sparked significant interest, prompting teams to relocate to larger arenas to accommodate the demand to watch her play. Clark’s influence extended beyond the basketball court, shedding light on the talent present in the WNBA beyond her own exceptional skills.
Witnessing Clark’s star power firsthand was a memorable experience, evoking childhood memories of admiring sports icons like Kobe Bryant. Her impact transcended sports boundaries, with many individuals, regardless of their sports knowledge, recognizing her remarkable achievements. Despite her on-court success, Clark faced off-court challenges, becoming entangled in cultural debates that highlighted societal issues surrounding the portrayal of women athletes.
Clark’s rookie season in the WNBA was nothing short of impressive, breaking multiple records and playing a vital role for the Indiana Fever, a team that had not reached the playoffs since 2016. Despite opponents’ efforts to contain her talents, Clark delivered consistently strong performances throughout her debut season.
In the era of Clark, she is likely to continue captivating the nation and the world for years to come. Simone Biles, as highlighted by Cydney Henderson, solidified her status as the GOAT without competing at the Paris Olympics. Following her withdrawal from multiple events at the Tokyo Games due to anxiety-induced “twisties,” Biles made a triumphant return to the Olympic stage. Securing three gold medals (team, all-around, vault) and a silver (floor), she now holds a record-breaking 11 Olympic medals, the most by any U.S. female gymnast. Beyond her athletic achievements, Biles continued to shine a light on mental health, a conversation she first destigmatized three years ago. Emphasizing the importance of therapy in her routine, she shared her struggles with anxiety during the Olympics, even offering a glimpse into her journey through a TikTok video and the Netflix docuseries “Simone Biles: Rising.” Despite facing criticism for prioritizing her mental well-being in Tokyo, Biles chose to share her vulnerability and resilience with the world, solidifying her status not just as an Olympic champion but as a champion for mental health.
In a separate perspective from Mike Freeman, the focus shifts to the treatment of transgender athletes. In the face of persecution and discrimination, these athletes have become symbols of resistance against anti-trans hysteria perpetuated by some elements in American sports media. The vilification of transgender athletes echoes a dark history rooted in Nazi Germany, with right-wing propaganda fueling unwarranted attacks and challenges against their rights to participate in sports. Despite not seeking heroism, transgender athletes simply wish to pursue their passion for sports like any other athlete. Their resilience and courage in the face of adversity make them heroes in their own right, standing up against bigotry and misinformation to defend their right to compete and be themselves.
The USA TODAY panel has selected the top athlete of 2024.
