Sports in 2024 was one remarkable year with great historical feats and chills during the global competitions. From the Olympics to world championships in various disciplines, it marked a year in which athletes redefined excellence and inspired millions. The year 2024 marked a milestone in sports because it witnessed moments of historical significance, record-breaking, and emotional triumphs across diverse disciplines. These events have etched themselves among the greatest sports moments of all time.
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According to ExpressVPN, 2024 had its fair share of light moments fans could not wait to stream. However, some events truly stood out. As viewership stats revealed, some games and matches captured more screens—and hearts—than ever. In a year when sports streaming reached an all-time high, fans tuned in from everywhere in the world, from homes, on the go, and even behind VPN to catch every key moment.
Here’s a look at some of the most unforgettable sports moments that defined 2024, many of which could be considered among the greatest sports moments of all time.
Paris 2024 Olympics
Mijaín López is Cuba’s wrestling wrestler, winning his fifth consecutive Olympic gold in Greco-Roman wrestling—something no one has done at the Olympics. This win, at age 41, ended his towering, long-overdue wrestling career and cemented his place among the greatest sports moments of all time.
- Rising Stars and Record Breakers: Marileidy Paulino made history as the first woman to bring a gold medal for the Dominican Republic when she broke the 400m record with a time of 48.17 seconds. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Arisa Trew of Australia won the women’s skateboard park, becoming the youngest champion of these Games, adding to the year’s greatest sports moments of all time.
- Landmark Achievements: Cindy Ngamba, a refugee athlete, won bronze in women’s boxing, showcasing resilience on a global stage. Also, athlete David de Pina earned the country its first-ever Olympic medal—a bronze in the men’s flyweight boxing event.
- Cricket’s Coming Back to Olympics: Cricket was back after a hundred-year gap, with nail-biting matches enthralling the global audience. India won gold from Australia, proving that its popularity is here to stay!
- Historic Gymnastics Medal: In a historic win, Ángel Barajas brought Colombia its maiden Olympic gymnastics medal in the high bar event. For a generation of athletes in Colombia, his victory will motivate them and be one of the greatest sports moments ever.
- Breaking-Breakdancing Olympic Debut: Victor Montalvo of Team USA brought home the first Olympic breaking competition’s bronze medal and put breaking under the international spotlight.
FIFA Men's World Cup
The high-intensity drama that unfolded through the 2024 FIFA Men’s World Cup captivated global audiences as soccer unfolded. This year’s tournament saw a few underdog teams win, largely shaking up the expectations and leading to one of the most thrilling finals in World Cup history.
- Dramatic Upsets: Traditional powerhouses were surprisingly ousted from the tournament, leading to an underdog victory that captured hearts worldwide. A thrilling penalty shootout was the climax of the championship match, etching itself among the greatest sports moments of all time.
- Brilliant Individual Players: Kylian Mbappé and other emerging talents outdid themselves with incredible performances that further gained football more international credentials.
Inspiring Comebacks
Resilience and determination also characterized the sports in 2024:
- Cindy Ngamba: A refugee boxing bronze medallist from Cameroon, a reflection of the perseverance demonstrated after fleeing hardship.
- Athletes Back from Injury: Many competitors have pulled through difficult fortunes to win a place on the podium, inspiring fans with their resilience.
New Sports Icons
Emerging stars in 2024 lay the foundation for future heroism:
- Arisa Trew: At just 14 years of age, the Australian skateboarder emerged as the young Olympic champion.
- Ahmed Elgendy: The Egyptian modern pentathlete won the country’s first-ever gold medal in the sport, creating his own story in history and contributing to the greatest sports moments of all time.
Heartwarming Moments
On the Olympic sports ground, Tamires Frossard from Brazil carried an injured Angolan rival, Albertina Kassoma, off the court. This portrays the spirit of unity above competition, one of the greatest sports moments of all time.
Throughout 2024, sports organizations highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion. From showcasing refugee athletes to championing gender equality in events, the year emphasized that sports can bridge divides and inspire progress.
These moments remind us that while victory is celebrated, the humanity and connections built through sports are equally significant.
Historic Victories
- Cabo Verde and Pakistan celebrate their first Olympic medals; Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem sets a new Olympic record in javelin, marking some of the greatest sports moments of all time.
- Algerian Kaylia Nemour is the first African gymnast to achieve Olympic glory, a milestone in terms of representation for the sport.
Final Words
2024 cemented the strength of sports in unifying. Sportsmanship moments, welcoming events such as refugee athletes winning medals, as well as the popularity of new formats like breaking and T20 cricket, reflected how sports evolve while bridging cultures and communities.
The defining moments in 2024 symbolized the strong, uniting, and inspiring power of sports, transcending boundaries for all time. Through historic firsts and remarkable comebacks, the year set new benchmarks in disciplines, and fans eagerly await what will occur in 2025 and beyond, forever remembering the greatest sports moments of all time.
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