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| Rosberg in celebrating mood. |
There is no doubt that the year 2016 will go down in history as the year of shocks particularly as it regards sporting events across the globe.
In reviewing the outgone year in sports for the Vintgae Newspaper, clement Ogbemudia takes a look at sporting events of 2016 that most pundits and bookmakers alike never saw coming, but the world will not forget in hurry upon when they all happened. However, it must be stated this list is no particular order.
Nick Rosberg winning the formula 1 title ahead of teammate, Lewis Hamilton
I know many will dispute this as a sporting shock drawing from the fact that the Mercedes driver was in the lead of the formula one standing almost all through the season. But it must however, be stated even with Rosberg starting the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi with 12 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton, many analysts and Formula 1 buffs still believed the Briton would wear the crown rather than the German. Rosberg en route winning the championship became the second son of a F1 champion to win the title himself after his father Keke won his back in 1982. I say a big congratulation to Rosberg and may he enjoy his retirement.
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| Andy Murray |
Andy Murray's remarkable 2016 season
Andy Murray will never forget 2016 because this year can easily pass as his most successful till date. Him winning his second Wimbledon title, second Olympic gold medal and not forgetting doing the unthinkable by ending the year as world number one. This is particularly shocking because these feats happened in the era of three of the most finest tennis players of all- time, in the persons of Roger Federer, Raphael Nasal and Novak Djokovic. Many even predicted the Briton would never win a Grandslam and he did. Some say he can never emerge as the numero uno of tennis and he has also accomplished that. What mpre can you ask from a tennis player.
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| The Cavaliers |
The Cleveland Cavaliers victory over tje Golden State Warriors in NBA Final
Who would have believed this? Winning the NBA Championship from 3-1 down against a team with the best regular season in 2016 and a Stef Curry shooting with reckless abandon. Even the Caves themselves never saw this one coming. Finally the Cavaliers wins a sporting championship for the city of Cleveland after 34 years of searching for any form of title. Lebrom James had the game of his life en route winning the Finals MVP. It is more shocking when no NBA team had ever rallied from a 3-1 deficit to win the NBA finals -- until that Sunday night. King James finaaly lifted the NBA title with his beloved Cavaliers!
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| The Chicago Cubs |
Chicago Cubs winning the World Series Championship
Sure, American football is not popular in this clime, but the aura that came with the victory of the Chicago Cubs was huge across the world, hence I am including this on the list.
Before this victory, the trophy has been elusive for 108 years with several final defeas. After 108 years of waiting, the Cubs won the 2016 World Series with a wild 8-7, 10-inning Game 7 victory over the Indians at Progressive Field. The triumph completed their climb back from a 3-1 Series deficit to claim their first championship since 1908.
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| Leicester city celebrating |
Leicester City and the Premier League title
Who can forget this football shock? A team that barely survived relegation the previous season going on to win the Premiership title with a bunch of unknown players. Before their victory, the likes of Jamie Ferry, Riyad Mahrez( MVP) were unknown quantity when it comes to the round leather game. Their Italian manager though, haven coached the likes of Valencia and London club Chelsea had not won a title in his long years of tinkering. Without any iota of doubts, Leicester city emergence as Champions of the English Premier League will go down in history as the biggest shock the beautiful game has ever seen.
Let's take it home -
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| Rangers of Enugu |
There is no gain Stating the fact that Enugu Rangers are a household name In Nigerian football, having been one of the founding members of the league. But they have flattered to deceive in recent times, failing to win the league since 1984 after the era of Chairman Christian Chukwu. So, when they defeated Ikorodu United by 2 goals to one at the MKO Abiola stadium to win the league, it became the talk of the town following a long wait.
South African athelete Wayde van Niekerk breaks world record to win Olympic gold
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| Van Niekerk with world record time. |
This is not just any record at the Olympic games. It is the 400m record of enigmatic American sprinter Michael Johnson. Van Niekerk beats off Completion from reigning Olympic Champion, Grenadian Kirani James and American LaShawn Merritt to silver and bronze respectively to etch his name in the record book. It is important to note that this record stood for 17years and looked looked unbeatable with Johnson himself saying "It was a massacre.
Clement Ogbemudia is a journalist/writer and sports aficionado extraordinaire.
Do you agree? Which should we have included that was not? Feel free to drop us a line in our comment box.
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