December 24th 2024.
As the holiday season approaches and we prepare to bid farewell to another year, it's natural for us to take a moment and reflect on the past twelve months. Our minds have a tendency to respond to deadlines and round numbers, making it a useful time to look back on our experiences. It's interesting to think about why we may set our alarm for 7:00 instead of 7:04, even though there may not be a clear reason for it.
Despite our tendency to make New Year's resolutions, we often fail to keep them. However, the beginning of a new year still feels like a fresh start, and it's only fitting that we set goals for ourselves. It may seem strange to make resolutions in November, but perhaps we should consider it more often. In the world of sports, arbitrary numbers and milestones hold great significance, such as scoring 50 or 100 in cricket. These numbers represent greatness, rather than other seemingly random scores like 110 or 57. I recently discussed this idea with Sir Alastair Cook on TNT Sports, but it may not have landed as well as I had hoped. It just goes to show that sports rely heavily on symbolic markers and traditions.
And with that, I welcome you to the 2024 Masons, where there are no rules. As someone who gets to watch sports for a living, I have witnessed many profound and amusing moments in my career. As we come to the end of this remarkable year, allow me to share a few of my favorites.
One of the standout events of this year's Olympics was the Most Annoyance Caused to the French Mason award. The Parisians were initially frustrated by the disruption of sports during their summer, but as the games progressed and the sun came out, they were won over. The moment that sealed the deal was when France won a stunning gold in the men's rugby sevens. But the French fans were also present to express their displeasure when British cyclist Tom Pidcock overcame a 36-second deficit after a puncture to win the mountain bike gold, beating out Frenchman Victor Koretzky. Pidcock's aggressive and skilled descent, taking the inside line and coming dangerously close to Koretzky, roused the ire of the locals, but it was a testament to his determination and skill.
In another part of town, we witnessed one of the most significant retirements of 2024. Sir Andy Murray played his last professional tennis match in his signature style, saving five match points with his partner Dan Evans to defeat Japan in the Olympic doubles event. This match encapsulated everything we have come to know and love about Murray throughout his career. Although he didn't make it to the medal stages, he reminded us of why he was such an inspiration and why we believed in him, no matter the odds.
Another retirement that left us in awe was that of Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal. His accomplishments are truly incomprehensible, and his exit from the sport last month was a bittersweet moment for fans. On the other side of the spectrum, beloved footballer Gary Lineker left his role as a presenter on Match of the Day, sparking much speculation about the future of television broadcasting.
And speaking of unlikely events, three individuals share the award for Commitment to the Method Despite Overwhelming Evidence Flexibility is Needed. These winners, Ange Postecoglou, Pep Guardiola, and Bazball, were recognized for their ability to think outside the box and adapt to unconventional methods. Another winner, pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati, may have inadvertently contributed to this award with his humblebrag during the Olympic Games. After clearing an impressive height, he unfortunately knocked the bar off with an unusually long pole, leading to countless memes. Meanwhile, Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh showed us her unique approach to the sport by taking naps in between jumps and ultimately winning gold with a cool and collected attitude.
As a football fan, I was convinced that England would win the Euros this year, except for a brief moment during their match against Slovakia. When they were down 1-0 with only minutes left, I felt sick to my stomach. But then, in a moment that only sports can provide, Jude Bellingham's bicycle kick turned the game around. It was a complete reversal of fortune, and I can only hope that Chelsea will provide us with a similar moment in 2026.
Another unforgettable moment of the year was when I saw Simone Biles perform in person for the first time. I was taken aback by the sheer beauty and perfection of her floor routine during the women's team event. By the end, I was in tears, moved by her flawless execution and incredible talent. Not only was this a moment of pure brilliance, but it was also a powerful statement as Biles made her comeback after taking a break for her mental health. For this, she is without a doubt the Coolest Person in the World.
But let's not forget about Keely Hodgkinson, who is a close runner-up for this title. Her dominance and composure during the 800m race at the Olympics felt like something out of a different era. She radiated a sense of unwavering determination and confidence, as if she had never doubted her ability for a second. And as she confidently states, she is not far from breaking the world record. I have no doubt that she will achieve this feat in the near future.
All in all, 2024 has been a year filled with unforgettable moments and remarkable achievements in the world of sports. As we look towards the future, let us remember these moments and continue to be inspired by the dedication and passion of these incredible athletes.
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