2024: The sports year in pictures
As we bid farewell to 2024, let’s take a trip down memory lane and reminisce on some of the most unforgettable moments in sports from the perspective of a Canadian fan. From record-breaking achievements to unexpected victories, this past year has been filled with excitement and inspiration.
January kicked off with a historic moment for women’s hockey as the world’s best players came together to form the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). The league’s debut in Toronto drew record-breaking crowds, culminating in Minnesota’s triumph as the first-ever Walter Cup champions in the spring.
In February, music superstar Taylor Swift cheered on her boyfriend Travis Kelce as he led the Kansas City Chiefs to an overtime victory in the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Kelce and Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes secured their second consecutive NFL championship, marking their third title in five years.
March was dominated by Canadian basketball sensation Zach Edey, who showcased his skills in Purdue’s victory over Gonzaga in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Edey’s stellar performance earned him a second consecutive NCAA player of the year award and a ninth overall pick in the NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies.
April saw Iowa’s Caitlin Clark shine as she led her team to victory over defending champions LSU in the Elite Eight of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. Despite falling short in the title game against South Carolina, Clark’s record-breaking performance elevated women’s college hoops to new heights, paving the way for her selection as the first overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever.
In May, Masters champion Scottie Scheffler made headlines for an unexpected arrest before the PGA Championship, only to bounce back and secure his first Olympic gold medal in Paris later in the year.
June witnessed hockey superstar Connor McDavid’s remarkable playoff run, where he accumulated 42 points to lead Edmonton to a thrilling Game 7 in the Stanley Cup final, ultimately falling short to the Florida Panthers.
July showcased the resilience of the Canadian women’s soccer team at the Paris Olympics, as they overcame adversity to advance through the group stage, with standout performances from Vanessa Gilles.
August brought triumph for Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse, who anchored the men’s 4x100m relay team to an astonishing upset victory at the Olympic Games in Paris.
In September, swimmer Nicholas Bennett’s stellar performance at the Paralympic Games earned him two gold medals and a silver, leading Canada to a total of 29 medals.
October saw Freddie Freeman, the son of Canadian parents, make history with a walkoff grand slam in the World Series, ultimately clinching MVP honors as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees.
November was marked by an unexpected hero in the CFL Grey Cup, as Nick Arbuckle led the Toronto Argonauts to victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
As we close out the year in December, Canadian swimming prodigy Summer McIntosh continued her winning streak at the short-course world championships in Budapest, capping off a stellar 2024 that saw her capture multiple Olympic golds and the Northern Star Award for Canadian athlete of the year.
From groundbreaking league launches to record-breaking performances, 2024 was a year to remember in the world of sports. Here’s to more unforgettable moments and inspiring achievements in the year ahead.
