As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year filled with remarkable sports moments. From the Olympics to breaking championship droughts and unforgettable upsets, sports fans were treated to some of the best action in recent memory. Although the year is coming to an end, we have the technology to preserve these memories through videos and photographs. Before we shift our focus to 2025, let’s take a moment to look back at the highlights of the past 365 days.
Top Sports Moments of 2024:
10) Chiefs Secure Second Consecutive Super Bowl Victory
After two decades without a back-to-back Super Bowl champion, the Chiefs emerged as a dominant force in the league under quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Their thrilling overtime win against the San Francisco 49ers secured their third title in five years.
9) Raygun’s Memorable Breaking Routine at the Paris Olympics
Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, also known as Raygun, captivated audiences at the 2024 Paris Olympics despite not winning any battles. Her performance left a lasting impression and solidified her place in Olympic history.
8) Jim Harbaugh Leads Michigan to First National Championship Since 1997
Despite a sign-stealing scandal, Jim Harbaugh’s impact on the Michigan football program was undeniable. Under his leadership, the team achieved an undefeated season and secured their first national championship in over two decades.
7) Simone Biles Shines at the Paris Olympics
Renowned gymnast Simone Biles made a triumphant return to competition in 2024, winning three gold medals and a silver at the Paris Olympics. Her remarkable performance showcased her talent and determination.
6) Shohei Ohtani Joins Baseball’s 50-50 Club
Shohei Ohtani made history as the first player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, solidifying his status as one of baseball’s elite players.
These moments and achievements remind us of the excitement and excellence that defined the world of sports in 2024. Let’s cherish these memories as we look ahead to the new year.
Planet Earth. Even when unable to pitch, he is making history. As the 2024 season approached, there were doubts about Ohtani’s value in his debut year with the Dodgers. A change of scenery can affect some players, but Ohtani proved his worth despite not being able to pitch. He didn’t need to take the field to secure the MVP title, as he was busy rewriting the record books. Ohtani made history by hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season, a first in MLB history. In one remarkable game against the Miami Marlins, he went 6-for-6 with three homers, two stolen bases, and 10 RBIs.
The United States was expected to dominate basketball at the 2024 Olympics, but faced tough competition from France in the gold medal game. With the game hanging in the balance, Wardell Stephen Curry, known for his sharp shooting, scored four consecutive three-pointers in the final minutes, earning praise from French announcers who dubbed him “The devil named Curry is hurting us.”
In the 100-meter dash, Noah Lyles secured gold for the United States by a whisker, marking the first American victory in 20 years. Despite falling behind at the start, Lyles surged ahead to beat Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson in a thrilling finish.
Caitlin Clark had a standout year in 2024, culminating in her revenge victory over LSU in the NCAA quarterfinals. Leading the Iowa team, Clark scored 41 points to defeat Angel Reese and the LSU Tigers, avenging their previous loss in the national championship.
1) The Iowa Hawkeyes were propelled into the Final Four by a stellar performance from Au’Jae Johnson, who at 23 years old, showcased his skills on the court. Caitlin Clark also shone bright in the game, scoring an impressive 41 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 12 assists. Her 9-20 shooting from beyond the arc was instrumental in securing the victory that sent Iowa to the Final Four.
2) In a historic moment for the franchise, the Florida Panthers clinched their first-ever Stanley Cup victory. Despite facing off against the formidable duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl from the Edmonton Oilers, the Panthers overcame the odds. After a hard-fought battle that saw them clinch the Atlantic Division title and narrowly escape a potential collapse in the Finals, the Panthers emerged victorious in Game 7, securing their place in hockey history as Stanley Cup champions.
3) The World Series witnessed a thrilling matchup between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, two powerhouse teams in baseball history. In Game 1 of the series, the tension was palpable as the game went into extra innings. With the score tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the eighth, the stage was set for a dramatic finish. The Yankees seemed poised for victory after taking the lead in the tenth inning, but a strategic move to intentionally walk Mookie Betts brought Freddie Freeman to the plate. Freeman seized the moment, making history with a walk-off grand slam, the first of its kind in World Series history.
4) Freddie Freeman’s heroics continued throughout the World Series, earning him the coveted World Series MVP title. His remarkable performance at the plate, including a .300 batting average, four home runs, a triple, and twelve RBIs, solidified his place in baseball lore. The walk-off grand slam in Game 1 will forever be remembered as one of the most iconic moments in World Series history.
5) In NFL news, Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles made headlines by surpassing the 2,000 rushing yards mark, inching closer to the NFL’s single-season record. Barkley’s remarkable feat on the field demonstrated his prowess as one of the league’s top running backs, garnering attention and admiration from fans and analysts alike.
These moments from 2024 captured the essence of sports, showcasing the thrill of competition and the triumph of perseverance. From historic victories to unforgettable performances, these highlights will be etched in the annals of sports history for years to come.
