The moments that defined global sports in 2016
It was a historic year for sports as Olympic games were held in South America for the first time
LAHORE (Web Desk) - 2016 was a memorable year for sports as many world records were broken in the Olympic games, which were held in South America for the first time.
Great events were held in the fields of Football, Tennis, Athletics, Swimming and other sports during the year so let s have a look at some of the moments that will probably never be forgotten by sports fans.
1. Olympic Games in Brazil
The Olympic games were held after four years. It is the biggest sporting event of the world, with every country/nation participating in it. These Olympic games became even more memorable and historic as they were held in a South American country for the first time.
There were many protests and riots, putting the world in doubt whether to participate in the games or not but finally they were held in July and many records were shattered and history books were re-written.
2. Usain Bolt completed the hat-trick of hat-tricks
The fastest ever human-being in the history of mankind, Usain Bolt, participated in his last Olympic games. He was defending champion in all three events of sprint, 100m, 200m and 100x4m relay.
Bolt had won these three events in Beijing 2008 Olympics and London 2012 Olympics but due to injuries, it was doubted that he may not be able to achieve this feat, which was never done before.
Bolt was able to successfully defend all three titles and marked the end of his Olympic career in a grand style.
3. Michael Phelps increased his tally to 23 gold medals
The most successful Olympian of the history, Michael Phelps, also participated in his last Olympics this year. Phelps had won 6 gold medals in 2004 Athens Olympics, 8 gold medals in 2008 Beijing Olympics, also the record for most gold medals at one Olympics.
He won 4 gold medals in 2012 London Olympics and took retirement as he was already the most successful Olympian with 18 gold medals, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals.
Phelps took his decision back however and came back for Rio Olympics. The American won 5 gold medals and 1 silver medal to end the career with 23 gold medals, 3 silver medals, 2 bronze medals and a total of 28.
It meant that, if Phelps were a country, he would be 38th on the all time medal table.
4. Portugal winning the 2016 Euro Cup
Portugal faced hosts France in the 2016 Euro Cup final as they were chasing their first ever Euro Cup title. Cristiano Ronaldo was looking for his first International trophy, looking to do something his rival Lionel Messi had not done.
Portugal did not win any game in the group stage and only drew games to barely reach round of 16. France were clear favourites to win the final, with players like Paul Pogba, Antoine Greizmann, Patrice Evra, Dmitry Payet, Olivier Giroud in their team.
Ronaldo was injured in the early stages of the match and it looked like Portugal had lost their last hope as he went out of the ground with tears in his eyes.
But he inspired his team from the sidelines as Renato Sanches scored the winning goal in the extra-time and Ronaldo finally got his holy grail.
5. Novak Djokovic completed Career Grand Slam
Serbia s Novak Djokovic became first ever Tennis player in 47 years to win all four Grand Slams in a row in Tennis. He had won Wimbledon and US Open last year and started this year by winning the Australian Open for the sixth time.
Djokovic had lost in the French Open final twice before but this time he faced Andy Murray in the title match. Djokovic dropped the first set and it looked like he would have to wait more for the most awaited title but he came back strong and won next three sets to make history.
Djokovic became only the fifth player in open era to win all four grand slams and only the fourth to win on three different surfaces.
The story was written by Talal Dar.
