Picking the “Best of Sports” list is always a subjective and contentious process, and no matter the choices, someone will be upset. However, 2024 brought clear moments of greatness that resonated with sports fans around the world. Among the top picks, Caitlin Clark’s dominance in basketball stands out as one of the most transformative performances in recent memory. Not only did she break records and lead the charge for women’s sports, but her influence helped increase the visibility of women’s college basketball and the WNBA. While Clark’s achievements were monumental, there were other remarkable performances and stories from the world of sports, ranging from unforgettable basketball moments to unexpected revivals in football and cycling.
From Steph Curry’s iconic Olympics performance to the Washington Commanders’ surprising turnaround, 2024 was full of memorable sports moments that fans won’t soon forget. The college football playoff expanded, ushering in new challenges and opportunities, while tennis fans witnessed the passing of the torch from Rafael Nadal to Carlos Alcaraz. In addition, Harry Kane’s unforgettable goal and Saquon Barkley’s incredible athleticism underscored moments of pure brilliance. Meanwhile, Kristen Faulkner’s epic cycling ride in Paris served as a reminder that anything is possible with determination and belief. These moments highlight the unpredictability of sports and the athletes who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Caitlin Clark’s Impact on Basketball
Caitlin Clark’s accomplishments in 2024 have transformed the world of women’s basketball. Her career at Iowa was nothing short of historic, and she played a key role in bringing women’s college basketball into the mainstream. Viewership of women’s games reached new heights, surpassing those for men’s college basketball, as Clark’s record-breaking performances drew widespread attention across the nation. Her transition to the WNBA only solidified her place as one of basketball’s brightest stars, as she carried her momentum into the professional arena. Clark’s influence was so profound that games were moved to larger arenas, selling out in minutes, a clear indication of her immense popularity.
Clark’s combination of scoring ability, playmaking, and humility has made her a generational talent, and her impact goes beyond just her statistics. Like Tiger Woods in golf, Clark’s presence on the court electrifies fans, turning every game into an event. As she continues to grow, it’s clear that she’s not just one of the best in the game—she’s changing the very fabric of women’s basketball, making it more visible, exciting, and celebrated.
Steph Curry’s Paris Performance
When discussing basketball in 2024, no moment was more iconic than Steph Curry’s gold-medal-winning performance in the Summer Olympics. At 36 years old, Curry showcased his legendary skills with a dazzling 3-point barrage in the final minutes of the game, effectively sealing the win for Team USA over France. Despite playing alongside other NBA legends like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, Curry was the undeniable hero, reaffirming his status as the best shooter in basketball history. His celebration, which he dubbed “nuit nuit” for the French audience, only added to the charm of the moment, with basketball fans everywhere recognizing his mastery.
Curry’s performance in Paris was a perfect reminder that, even as he approaches the latter stages of his career, he remains an unstoppable force. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations and deliver game-changing shots continues to cement his legacy. Curry’s journey, like Clark’s, demonstrates that greatness transcends age, and even in the twilight of his career, he is still capable of breathtaking, memorable moments that make him a perennial threat.
Washington Commanders’ Revival
The Washington Commanders’ 2024 season marked the ultimate sports turnaround. After years of embarrassment, poor ownership, and lackluster performance, the team found new life with a fresh set of owners and a rising star in quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels, a former LSU Heisman winner, quickly proved himself to be a franchise player, leading Washington to the playoffs with thrilling victories, including a dramatic Hail Mary. His poise under pressure and ability to deliver in clutch moments reignited a fanbase that had long been disillusioned with the franchise.
The Commanders’ resurgence isn’t just about Daniels’ performance; it’s also about a culture shift. Once the laughingstock of the NFL, the team now boasts an exciting, hopeful future, with the veteran leadership of Daniels elevating the entire squad. The Commanders’ newfound success has energized both the fanbase and the broader NFL community, proving that a change in ownership and a strong leader can revive a long-lost franchise. With a playoff berth within reach, the Commanders are no longer the mortified giant of the league—they’ve awakened and are once again a force to be reckoned with.
College Football’s Expanding Playoff
The expanded college football playoff format in 2024 ushered in a new era for the sport. As the playoff system grew to include 12 teams, it forever altered the postseason structure, shifting the traditional focus away from bowl games and opening up the possibility for more teams to compete for a national championship. Although the first round was filled with blowouts, the quarterfinal matchups promised more competitive and exciting football. Teams like Oregon, Ohio State, and Texas are now set for some thrilling showdowns, making the new playoff format a welcomed change for fans.
While many may lament the loss of traditional bowl games, the money and attention college football now commands cannot be ignored. The influx of media coverage, coupled with the rise of NIL deals and the transfer portal, has turned college football into a pseudo-professional sport. Players are now more skilled and prepared than ever, and the game itself has become a spectacle with national implications. The expanded playoff brings increased visibility and excitement to the sport, ensuring that college football continues to thrive at the intersection of athletic excellence and financial success.
Nadalcaraz: A Passing of the Torch
In tennis, the Summer Olympics brought forth an exhilarating moment of cross-generational partnership when Rafael Nadal teamed up with Carlos Alcaraz for a doubles competition. Although the duo didn’t win a medal, the energy and excitement they brought to the court were undeniable. It was a symbolic moment, as Nadal, the aging King of Clay, joined forces with Alcaraz, the rising star, who has already established himself as one of tennis’ brightest young talents. Their pairing represented the passing of the torch from one tennis icon to another, and fans around the globe reveled in their on-court chemistry.
Despite their early exit from the tournament, the Nadal-Alcaraz partnership was a testament to the power of mentorship and legacy in sports. While Nadal’s career is winding down, Alcaraz’s presence marks a new chapter for tennis. The energy between them—both on and off the court—was electric, showcasing that the future of tennis is in good hands with Alcaraz poised to carry the sport forward for years to come.
This Harry Kane Goal
Harry Kane’s unforgettable goal in 2024 was a perfect example of a moment in sports that transcends its technicality. Whether or not the goal was a carefully executed move or a stroke of luck, it didn’t matter; the sheer joy and brilliance of the goal made it a moment worth celebrating. Kane’s ability to find the back of the net when it matters most is what makes him one of the best strikers in the world, and his 2024 goal was yet another example of his knack for delivering in key moments. Fans everywhere watched in awe as Kane showcased his clinical finishing ability, making this goal one that will be remembered for years to come.
While the debate over the goal’s intention may continue, what remains clear is that Kane’s status as one of the top football players in the world is firmly cemented. His talent, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure make him a standout figure in global football. Moments like this only further his legacy, ensuring that Kane’s impact on the game will be remembered long after he has hung up his boots.
Saquon Barkley’s Backflip Revenge
Saquon Barkley’s 2024 season became one of the NFL’s most compelling stories, not just for his performance, but for the symbolism of his comeback. After being traded by the New York Giants, Barkley joined their most bitter rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, and quickly proved he still had plenty to offer. He dominated the field with a series of electrifying runs, and his signature moment came when he performed a spinning backflip over an opponent in one of the most jaw-dropping plays of the season. His athleticism and determination were on full display, especially in the context of his previous struggles with the Giants.
Barkley’s backflip wasn’t just an incredible display of skill—it was also a statement. It symbolized his triumph over adversity and his determination to prove that he was far from finished. The play left teammates and fans alike in awe, reminding everyone that Barkley is one of the most gifted running backs in the NFL. His success with the Eagles has been nothing short of a revenge story, as he silenced his critics and cemented his place as one of the league’s most exciting players.
Kristen Faulkner’s Epic Ride
Kristen Faulkner’s victory in the 2024 women’s cycling road race at the Paris Olympics was nothing short of a miracle. Faulkner, a late-blooming cyclist with a background in venture capital, was not expected to medal in the event. With odds stacked against her, she proved the experts wrong, making a daring move in the final kilometers to outpace cycling giants like Lotte Kopecky and Marianne Vos. Her victory was a testament to perseverance, skill, and belief, as Faulkner took a slim 6% chance of winning and turned it into a historic upset.
Faulkner’s journey to Olympic glory was a true underdog story. She had only been cycling competitively for a few years, having started in her early 20s after dabbling in the sport as a hobby. Her unlikely path to Olympic success and her subsequent gold medal win in the team pursuit marked one of the most remarkable stories in cycling history. Faulkner’s performance in Paris served as an inspiration to late bloomers everywhere, proving that with determination and the right mindset, anything is possible.
