Hello, festive greetings, Merry Christmas, step away from the mince pies etc etc, bla bla bla. Thanks for reading and welcome to I Heart Sport, a blog dedicated to sharing and debating some of the burning issues from the world of, well…sport. Whether it’s Premeirship footballers’ wages, Andy Murray’s ‘real’ nationality or Kevin Petiersen’s latest hair style, it’s likely I’ll have a point of view!
Being a passionate sport junkie, my thoughts and opinions will sometimes be outspoken but it’s your feedback and comments that will help stir the pot of sporting debate which I – and that I hope you – love.
It’s blindingly obvious that the Olympic Games will dominate sports pages as we approach next summer and I personally can’t wait, as the Games will be on my door step. But before diving in and over-indulging in a Christmas turkey-sized tray of pre-Olympic hyperbole (there’s plenty of time for that), let’s not forget some of the key sporting moments, heros and villians from 2011.
Whilst Sebastein Vettel’s (skilful) domination of Formula 1 sent me to sleep, we shouldn’t forget Manchester City ending their 35-year trophy drought and the Tevez Tantrum; Rory McIlroy’s courageous US Open win; the England cricket team’s historic Ashes series win and ruthless ascent to the top of the ICC World Rankings; David Hayes humbling ‘Toe-gate’ defeat; Novak Djokovic’s herculean 43-match unbeaten run and three major titles; and the emotional victories won by Mo Farah and Rebecca Adlington at their respective World Championshiops after both suffered disapointment in other events and castigation from the British sporting media. Oh, and the New Zeland All Blacks FINALLY breaking their hoodoo to win the Rugby World Cup on home soil. About time really.
Whilst the recent racism controversies in football involving Luis Suarez, John Terry, and laterly Alan Hansen, warrant a piece longer than is ideal for a blog post, what I will say is that racism has no place in football, sport or society. The sad truth these episodes demonstrate are that it still exists. Any instances where this occurs – whether the football field, the playground or the office – should not be be punished. Whilst the football community soul-searches and wrangles with its attitude towards racism, it’s safe to say there is unequivocal sadness at the death and suicide of Gary Speed. It’s not a dirty word (take note news broadcasters) and his death can hopefully shine a light on this taboo issue.
The final word goes to Mark Cavendish, whose astonishing achievements on a bike in 2011 – the first Briton to win the Tour De France’s green jersey, becoming Britain’s first World Road Champion in 50 years, and winning his 20th Tour De France and Grand Tour stages respectively, make him a more than thoroughly, deserving winner of BBC’s Sports Personailtiy of the Year award.
iheartsport 