Hey sports fans! ๐ฅณ As 2024 comes to an end, let’s look back at the most amazing sports moments from this year! Are you ready? Let’s dive in! ๐
1๏ธโฃ The Paris Olympics Opening Splendor (July 26)
Under rainy skies in Paris, 85 boats carrying athletes from 205 countries sailed down the River Seine! ๐ง๏ธ๐ฃโโ๏ธ Over 320,000 cheering fans lined both shores to welcome them to the Olympic spotlight! ๐ What an unforgettable start to the games!
2๏ธโฃ Olympic Esports Games Announcement (July 12)
Guess what? The Olympics are going digital! ๐น๏ธ The International Olympic Committee (IOC) teamed up with Saudi Arabia to announce the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2025! Get ready for competitive gaming on the global stage! ๐ฎ๐
3๏ธโฃ New Hosts for Big Events (July 24 & December 11)
Exciting news! ๐๏ธ The French Alps will host the 2030 Winter Olympics! ๐๏ธ And in 2034, the Winter Games will be in Salt Lake City, USA! ๐บ๐ธ Also, FIFA announced that Morocco, Portugal, and Spain will host the 2030 World Cup! โฝ๏ธ๐ In 2034, Saudi Arabia will host the World Cup Finals! ๐
4๏ธโฃ IOC President Thomas Bach Steps Down (August 11)
Big changes ahead! ๐ IOC President Thomas Bach announced he won’t change the rules to stay in office. He said the Olympics would be “best served with a change in leadership.” Thank you for your service, Mr. Bach! ๐
5๏ธโฃ Doping Drama Unfolds (August 7)
Uh-oh! ๐ฎ Reports claimed that the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) let some athletes who tested positive for banned substances keep competing! WADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency, responded by saying USADA put the security of cooperating athletes at risk. What’s next in this story? Stay tuned! ๐บ
6๏ธโฃ Record-Breaking Athletes (July 7 & October 13)
Amazing feats! ๐ On July 7, Ukraine’s high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh broke a 37-year-old record at a Diamond League meet in Paris by jumping 2.10 meters! ๐ Then, on October 13, Kenyan runner Ruth Chepngetich smashed the world record at the Chicago Marathon, finishing in 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 56 seconds! ๐โโ๏ธ๐จ Incredible!
7๏ธโฃ Rafael Nadal Says Goodbye (October 10 & November 19)
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal announced that 2024 would be his last season due to injuries. ๐พ๐ On November 19, the 38-year-old played his final match during Spain’s Davis Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands. With 22 Grand Slam titles, the “King of Clay” bows out! ๐๐
8๏ธโฃ Spain Triumphs at Euro 2024 (July 14 & October 28)
What a win! ๐ On July 14, Spain defeated England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final! โฝ๏ธ Mikel Oyarzabal scored the match-winning goal in the 86th minute! Later, on October 28, midfielder Rodri won the Ballon d’Or, beating Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham! ๐
9๏ธโฃ Armand Duplantis Breaks His Own Record (August 26)
Pole vault superstar Armand Duplantis of Sweden cleared 6.26 meters to break his own world record! ๐ He did it at the Diamond League Silesia in Poland. That’s the third time he set a new record this season! ๐๐
๐ LeBron James Scores 40,000 Points! (March 3)
Basketball history was made! ๐ On March 3, 39-year-old LeBron James became the first NBA player to score 40,000 career points! ๐คฏ After becoming the all-time leading scorer last season, he reached another milestone! Way to go, King James! ๐
What an epic year for sports! ๐๐ From breaking records to legendary farewells, 2024 was full of unforgettable moments! Which one was your favorite? Let us know! ๐ฌ
Reference(s):
cgtn.com