In 2024, the sports world celebrated historic milestones, with LeBron James etching his name into NBA history as the first player to score 40,000 regular-season points during a game on March 2 against the Denver Nuggets. This iconic moment reverberated through the arena as fans erupted in applause, witnessing the greatness of a 39-year-old legend who finished the game with 26 points, reaching a total of 40,017 career points.
The inaugural Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS) unfolded in Shanghai and Budapest, introducing a unique blend of sports, music, art, and culture. From May 16 to June 23, 464 athletes from over 120 nations showcased their skills in BMX freestyle cycling, skateboarding, and sport climbing. Earning medals and Olympic berths, a total of 158 athletes punched their tickets to Paris 2024, 23 of whom would eventually secure Olympic medals, eight of those in gold.
In July, the Paris Diamond League witnessed remarkable athletic feats, with Yaroslava Mahuchikh breaking the women’s high jump world record by clearing 2.10 meters, surpassing a record set in 1987. Meanwhile, Faith Kipyegon shattered her own 1,500m record, clocking in at 3:49.04. Armand Duplantis continued to elevate pole vaulting standards by reaching 6.26 meters, marking the tenth world record of his career.
July 14 was a thrilling day in soccer as Spain triumphed over England 2-1 in the UEFA Euro 2024 final, their fourth title in tournament history, aided by substitute Mikel Oyarzabal’s late winner. In a concurrent match, Argentina claimed victory 1-0 against Colombia, securing their Copa America title thanks to Lautaro Martinez’s extra-time goal.
The International Olympic Committee made pivotal decisions during its session in July, awarding the French Alps the 2030 Winter Olympic Games and Salt Lake City the 2034 edition. Saudi Arabia was chosen to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2025, and the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will showcase 151 events, introducing Wushu to its program.
The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, themed “Games Wide Open,” ran from July 26 to August 11, showcasing athletes from 91 delegations. China excelled, achieving its best performance overseas with 40 gold, 27 silver, and 24 bronze medals. Subsequently, at the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8, China dominated with 220 medals, once more topping the medal table for the sixth straight time.
In tennis, Zheng Qinwen made history as the first Asian athlete to win an Olympic singles title, defeating Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the women’s final on August 3. This moment resonated across the sports community, celebrating a groundbreaking achievement in Olympic history.
Xinhua Institute published a comprehensive report on August 27 detailing the significance of Xi Jinping’s sports discourses, highlighting Chinese sports’ evolution under his influence and its global implications. This report sheds light on the roadmap toward China’s vision of sports supremacy.
A wave of retirements marked the end of an era in sports, with 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal announcing his retirement after the Davis Cup quarterfinals. The tennis world also bid farewell to other legends including Andy Murray and Dominic Thiem, thus closing significant chapters in athletic history.
In motorsports, Max Verstappen claimed the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship for the fourth consecutive year at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, celebrating yet another phenomenal season. This victory solidified his position as a dominant force in Formula 1 racing, as the crowd cheered his historic achievement.
In 2024, LeBron James became the first to score 40,000 NBA points, while the Olympic Qualifier Series saw athletes secure spots for the Paris Games. Several world athletics records fell, including Mahuchikh’s high jump and Kipyegon’s 1,500m. Spain and Argentina celebrated European and South American football championships respectively. Meanwhile, notable retirements occurred in tennis and motorsport saw Verstappen win another F1 title. The year concluded with insights on China’s sports direction and a committed push toward future Olympic events.
2024 was a remarkable year in the world of sports, showcasing record-breaking performances, historic wins, and significant retirements. From LeBron James’s point milestone to Xia Qinwen’s Olympic tennis title, growth and excellence marked the sporting landscape. Major events like the Paris Olympics and the UEFA Euro highlighted the shared passion for sports across nations while setting new records and expectations for the future. As the sports community looks forward, the legacy of these moments will inspire generations to come.
Original Source: english.news.cn
