Friday 28 December 2012

A great year for British sport: review of 2012

2012, was to put it simply, one of the greatest years ever in terms of British sport. Champions League winners, first test win in India for ages, a amazing Ryder Cup comeback, a Tour De France winner and of course the Olympics and Paralympics - the list of fantastic achievements in sport over the past 12 months is endless. You can't possibly go through everything, but here at a few of the best (in no particular order):

WALES WIN THE GRAND SLAM (Rugby Union)

Despite one of the greats of Welsh rugby, Shane Williams, retiring, a Wales side that had just come off of a great 2011 World Cup went into the tournament as one of the favourites. New faces such as George North and Alex Cuthbert were instrumental in Wales' Grand Slam victory. Apart from the first week, Wales were on top of the table for every week during the competition. The Grand Slam was their third in eight years.

MAN. CITY WIN THRILLING TITLE RACE (Football)

Manchester City won the league title for the first time in 44 years after Sergio Aguero's stoppage time winner saved the Blues from second place.

Manchester United had won, and City needed two goals in more or less two minutes to win the Premier League. They did it, and the famous voice of the commentator screaming "Agueroooooooo!" has become the sound of the 2011/12 season.

CHELSEA WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOR THE FIRST TIME (Football)

After 9 years and a countless number of managers, a Chelsea side gave their Russian owner, Roman Abramovich, what he had been wanting for since he bought the club - the title of champions of Europe. A Didier Drogba inspired team defeated Barcelona in the semi-final before going on to beat Bayern Munich at the Germans' home ground on penalties to succeed in Abramovich's dream.

The manager wasn't one of the biggest names in football - it was Roberto Di Matteo, who was caretaker boss. After the Italian's triumph in both the Champions League and FA Cup he was given the permanent role. Soon after, however, he was sacked, something the Chelsea fans didn't take to very well.

CAPELLO SACKED, HODGSON TAKES OVER, ENGLAND LOSE ON PENALTIES (AGAIN!) (Football)

Fabio Capello's reign as England manager came to an end just a month before Euro 2012. The FA were quick to appoint West Bromwich Albion boss Roy Hodgson, who was doing well at the Hawthorns. The ex-Liverpool gaffer then took England to the Euro 2012 tournament in Poland & Ukraine. They succeeded in the group stage before facing Italy in the quarter-finals. The new-look side went out to the brilliance of Andrea Pirlo & co. on penalties.

ANDY MURRAY FINALLY WINS A GRAND SLAM (Tennis)

Andy Murray came back from his Wimbledon heartbreak to beat Novak Djokovic in the final of the US Open and become the first British man since Fred Perry to win a Grand Slam, having been runner-up on four other occasions.

He beat the Serbian Djokovic 7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 to win the title.

ENGLAND WIN IN INDIA FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 1985 (Cricket)

Despite going 1-0 behind in the four match series, Alistair Cook & co. triumphed over India in India for the first time since the 1980's.

For the Indians, Sachin Tendulkar failed, while Cheteshwar Pujara hit centuries in a couple of innings.

Monty Panesar was one of the the main players for England against the international side that he could've played for, taking a few wickets per innings alongside Graeme Swann. On the batting side of things, Captain Cook and Kevin Pietersen both did well.

Alistair Cook branded the series 'as good as the Ashes win' amongst joyous celebrations.

WIGGINS BECOMES FIRST BRIT TO WIN TOUR DE FRANCE (Cycling)

Bradley Wiggins and his Sky teammates did what no Brits had ever done before in the world of cycling - they won the Tour De France.

Alongside his partner Chris Froome, 'Wiggo' as he is now known pulled off a great win as they beat other favourites to take the Tour De France.

They built an early lead, and more or less maintained it to the end.

It wasn't the end for Wiggins in 2012 - he went on to win Olympic gold, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award and capped it off with a knighthood.

THE OLYMPICS & PARALYMPICS (Sport)

Wow. Just wow. The Olympic & Paralympic games in London 2012 was THE best sporting competition EVER. Without a doubt, Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis, David Weir, Jonny Peacock, Ellie Simmonds, Greg Rutherford, Bradley Wiggins, Andy Murray, Katherine Grainger and all the rest took the nation by storm.

I can't begin to say how great it was. From the great sport to the great crowds, it really inspired a generation.

The actual medal table was disappointing for Team GB - we didn't finish as high as we did in 2008, but the way the games brought together the whole nation was fantastic to see.

So, 2012 was a pretty amazing year. Can 2013 top it? To be honest, I have to say I don't think so. With no football World Cup or European Championships and no home Olympics/Paralympics, it's going to be tough. But we're going to give it a chance.

Happy New Year from ZSN!

1 comment:

  1. Brilliant review of the year Zachary! You're right, it was an incredible year for sport in general and for British sport in particular. I don't think we'll see another year like it! Looking forward to more blog updates in 2013....

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