A Look Back at the Greatest Sports Moments of 2016
Every year has its own unique sporting events that leave a mark and 2016 is no different. We have seen the best of talent retire and individuals pulling out unexpected results. Michael Phelps broke a 200-year-old Olympic record, which was impressive. In similar style, the 108 year wait for the Chicago Cubs ended with a World Series championship. Here is a quick rejoinder of some of the remarkable milestones that defined 2016.
Serena Williams Matches Steffi Graf’s Record
Records were matched in the world of tennis. At 33 years old, Serena has finally won her 22nd Grand Slam Title. Williams overcame Angelique Kerber 7-5, 6-3 at the Wimbledon Final. Now, the only player in the history of tennis with more Grand Slam titles is Margaret Court with 24, and Williams could surpass this mark this year.
Usain Bolt Achieves a Triple-Triple Performance
Touted as the fastest man on the planet, Usain Bolt achieved his triple action challenge in style. Bolt arrived home with an impressive 9 gold medals. He swept the 100m, 200m and 4 by 100m sprint relay events. Bolt also stated that this might be his last Olympic appearance and there is wide consensus that we will have to wait for a very long time before another athlete fills his shoes. He is undoubtedly a living legend.
Michael Phelps Breaks a 2,000-year old Olympic Record
Bolt might dominate the land but Michael Phelps is the king of the water. Phelps is the most decorated Olympic athlete today with an impressive 22 gold medal count. He broke a 2,000 year old record set in 152 B.C by Leonidas of Rhodes. After winning the 200m individual Medley at the Rio Olympics, Phelps had just achieved 13 individual Olympic triumphs.
The Cleveland Cavaliers win the NBA Championships Title
Emerging from a 3-1 deficit against the fired up Golden State Warriors, LeBron James and his Cavalier team mates gave Cleveland their first NBA Championship title. This highly competitive event saw James receiving a unanimous MVP vote for the third time.
Leicester City the New English Premier League Title Holders
Only a year after being promoted to the English Premier League, Leicester City pulled out an unexpected winning run to lift the English Premier League title. The Foxes took down some of England’s best teams as Jamie Vardy went on a magical goal scoring run.
Peyton Manning Ends His Career
Hailed as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, Peyton Manning led the Broncos to a 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers. This made Manning the first player in NFL history to lift two super bowl titles with two different teams.
England Wins the Six Nations Rugby Title
For the first time since 2011, England won the 6 Nations Title. Ladbrokes created a great highlight of the tournaments best moments here. They managed to lift the title with a match to spare after France suffered a shocking 29-18 away defeat to Scotland. What’s even more remarkable is that it was Eddie Jones’s first season as coach.
All in all we can conclude that 2016 was a great year for the sporting world. If 2016 was of any indication, we can definitely expect a highly charged year for 2017.
