We're Calling It: These Are the Best Moments in Sports So Far This Year

If there's one thing 2019 has delivered on, it's great moments in sports. Records have been broken [1], seemingly impossible physical feats have been achieved [2], and long-overdue victories have finally come to fruition, all in front of millions — sometimes billions — of fans around the world. It's not easy to narrow down all the incredible things that have happened this year, but that's exactly what we've tried to do. Ahead, you'll find some of the most awe-inspiring and heartwarming moments in sports so far, from major championships [3] to smaller headlines you may have missed. Keep reading to see our picks — did your favourite moments of the year make the list?

Karina Manta and Joe Johnson Blaze New Trails at the US Figure Skating Championships

American ice dancing pair Karina Manta and Joe Johnson have long skated in the shadow of their competitors [4], never quite able to break onto the podium. Then, at the 2019 US Championships, the pair made history when they stepped onto the ice as the first team in which both athletes are openly members of the LGBTQ+ community. Their career-defining free dance to "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" received a standing ovation.

Figure Skater Alysa Liu Proves That Age Is Just A Number

At 13, Alysa Liu wasn't even old enough to compete at the junior world championships, but that didn't stop her from becoming the youngest-ever American figure skating champion [5], unseating Tara Lipinski, who had set the record 22 years earlier. In her free skate, Alysa landed two triple axels — and eight triples total — an unprecedented feat in the ladies event.

Virginia Finally Gets Its One Shining Moment at the NCAA Tournament

In the 2018 tournament, the Virginia Cavaliers had an embarrassing showing: as the No. 1 seed, the team dropped to No. 16 UMBC in the first round. That disappointment made their 2019 victory even sweeter, as it gave them the opportunity to prove themselves on the biggest stage in college basketball.

Tiger Woods Secures His Legacy at the Masters

It's been billed as one of the greatest comebacks in sports. With his win at the Masters tournament in April, Tiger Woods [6] claimed his 15th major title, ending an 11-year draught since his last championship.

The St. Louis Blues Rally to Win the Stanley Cup

It's hard to imagine a more Cinderella-like storyline in sports. The St. Louis Blues started the season with the worst record in the league, and after a remarkable turnaround, ended it by hoisting the Stanley Cup.

The Toronto Raptors Bring 1 Home to Canada

With their fairytale win in six games, the Toronto Raptors became the first team based in or originating in Canada to win an NBA title. Their efforts didn't go unnoticed by their home country, which rallied around the Raptors [7], proving once and for all that Canadians do, in fact, care about sports other than hockey.

The US Women's National Team Makes a Statement, in More Ways Than 1

The US women's football team has dominated the international scene for the last several years. Their win in this year's World Cup [8] marked a record fourth tournament title, more than any other nation in history. During the celebrations, the stadium erupted in chants of "equal pay," a signal that fans hoped for yet another landmark victory in the team's ongoing fight for gender equality in sports [9].

Coco Gauff Goes on a Magical Run at Wimbledon

Fifteen-year-old tennis player Coco Gauff [10] made headlines at Wimbledon when she scored an upset victory [11] over her idol, Venus Williams, and became the youngest player in history to advance to the round of 16. Though her tournament ended with a loss in the fourth round, it was clear that Coco was one to watch.

The World Is Introduced to Swimming's Youngest Stars

One thing became clear at the 2019 FINA World Swimming Championships: there's a new generation of swimmers ready to claim their rightful place in the record books. Nineteen-year-old Hungarian swimmer Kristóf Milák shattered Michael Phelps' time in the 200m butterfly [12], a record the American had held since 2001. Soon after, 17-year-old Regan Smith — the youngest member of the USA Swimming team — broke Missy Franklin's world record in the women's 200m backstroke [13].

Simone Biles Makes History With Her Triple-Double

As if American gymnast Simone Biles hasn't broken enough records already [14], she proceeded to land a move no woman has ever done in competition. Her triple-double [15] at the US Gymnastics Championships seemingly defied the laws of physics and helped her earn a record sixth national all-around title [16].

Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff Win Hearts at the US Open

After defeating teenage sensation Coco Gauff at the US Open, Naomi Osaka asked her opponent if she'd like the opportunity to address her fans [17], who had turned out in large numbers throughout the tournament. "Do you want to do the interview with me? These people are here for you," Naomi said. While the match was a stunning display of athleticism, it was the players' sportsmanship that won the night.

Allyson Felix Topples a World Record 10 Months After Giving Birth

American sprinter Allyson Felix won her 12th gold medal at the World Championships [18] as part of Team USA's mixed-gender 4x400 meter relay, surpassing a record she had once held with Usain Bolt. Not only has she won more World gold medals than any other runner (male or female), but she also earned this latest one less than a year after becoming a mother [19].

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