Bruce Dias 
This year brought unforgettable moments of excitement and emotion in sports. Britain’s Olympians triumphed in Paris. But England’s footballers missed again. Also, controversy erupted in and out of the boxing ring. Fans, amid the excitement, turned to platforms like BetAmo login for updates and to predict the year’s biggest sports moments. The PA news agency reflects on five memorable, controversial sports moments of 2024.
Keely Hodgkinson Wins Olympic Gold
Hodgkinson carried a nation’s hopes. She delivered in style in her 800-meter final at Stade de France. The 22-year-old led from the front. She stormed down the final straight. She became the first British woman to win 800m gold since 2004 when Dame Kelly Holmes won it. A fan in the crowd officially placed a crown on Hodgkinson during her lap of honor.
Andy Murray’s Teary Wimbledon Send-off
After he and his brother Jamie lost in the men’s doubles, a ceremony honored the two-time former singles champion. It was emotional. It celebrated his career. Murray became emotional as he watched a heartfelt montage. It showed his best moments and tributes from Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Williams.
Lola Anderson’s Emotional Olympic Gold
Anderson, as a teenager, was inspired by the rowing events at the 2012 London Olympics. She scribbled a short entry in her diary. Anderson eventually discarded the note. Her dad, Don, returned it seven years later, two months before his death from cancer in 2019. “”I got rid of it because I didn’t believe in myself,” Anderson admitted. He had won gold in the quadruple sculls with Georgina Brayshaw, Lauren Henry, and Hannah Scott. “My dad saw it before I did. He saw the potential I had.”
Lewis Hamilton Ends Winless Drought at Silverstone
Hamilton admitted he couldn’t hide his tears after breaking his 945-day winless streak at the British Grand Prix. His win at Silverstone was his first since the Saudi Arabian GP in December 2021.
That was a week before he was denied a record eighth title in Abu Dhabi. “Winning here is the best feeling in the world,” Hamilton remarked.
Jodie Grinham Won the Paralympic Gold While Seven Months Pregnant
Jodie Grinham, a para-archer, secured a bronze medal in the individual compound category. She then teamed up with Nathan Macqueen to win gold in the mixed-team compound final. Grinham won double medals. She did it while seven months pregnant. “Ultimately, I wanted to jump, cry, and scream. But, being pregnant, I should crouch for a second. Then, I could give hugs,” Grinham said.
Worst Moments
England Suffer a Second Successive European Heartbreak
England’s wait for a major men’s trophy since 1966 goes on. Spain condemned Gareth Southgate’s side to a second straight Euro final defeat. Substitute Cole Palmer struck a superb equalizer to cancel out Nico Williams’ opener. But Mikel Oyarzabal slid home the winner four minutes later.
Image Khelif Gender Eligibility Row
Imane Khelif of Algeria claimed the welterweight gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Still, a gender row overshadowed her triumph. It erupted after Italy’s Angela Carini quit their bout after 46 seconds. The Olympic Committee let Khelif compete. She was banned in 2023 for gender eligibility rules.
Gymnastics Controversy
A different type of controversy overshadowed the women’s floor final. Team USA gymnast Jordan Chiles finished fifth.
Her coaches appealed her score, saying her starting difficulty was too low. Chiles was awarded the bronze medal after her score was adjusted. It was ahead of two Romanian gymnasts whose team objected to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. CAS ruled that Chiles’ appeal was too late. The IOC agreed, saying the medal belonged to Romanian Ana Barbosa.
Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul fought 58-year-old Mike Tyson. The match drew 70,000 fans in Texas and millions on Netflix. Yet, the event fell short of expectations. Tyson showed signs of his 19-year absence from the ring. He landed 18 punches as Paul won on points.
Rob Burrow Dies
Rob Burrow, a former England international, died in June at 41. He endured a lengthy struggle with motor neuron disease. Burrow spent his career at Leeds Rhinos. He played a key role in securing eight Super League championships for the team. He retired in 2017. After being diagnosed with MND, he raised millions with former teammate Kevin Sinfield. They used the money to build a new care center for patients.
Final Thoughts
2024 was a year of incredible highs and devastating lows in the world of sports. From big wins to emotional goodbyes, these stories show the thrill of sports. Competition inspires and unites us as we celebrate our wins and face challenges.
