2022 has been full of incredible moments in a variety of sports from Aussie rules to curling. There have been underdog tales of greatness, and champions reaching new, record-breaking highs.
My list celebrates some of the best achievements from 2022, in descending order from 10 to 1. Of course you will have your own ideas, so leave suggestions in the comments.
10. Nick Kyrgios’ run to the Wimbledon final
The tennis world finally saw what it craved in 2022, a consistent Nick Kyrgios playing at his best, and it was glorious.
Kyrgios delighted fans to reach his first grand slam final, and whilst he couldn’t go all the way it was still a joy to watch.
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
9. Australia reaching the last 16 at the World Cup
Whilst it wasn’t one of the most talked about upsets at the World Cup, with a squad of A-League and Scottish Premiership regulars, Australia made it through the group stages with not too much difficulty.
Then, they gave the world champions the best game apart from the final (and they certainly played better than the French in the first half). A team to be proud of.
8. Vingegaard’s tour triumph
It was all set up for Tadej Pogacar to win his third successive Tour de France, with the Slovenian expected to win with ease. Jonas Vingegaard, however, had other ideas. With Le Tour starting in his native Denmark, Vingegaard stormed to his first ever Grand Tour win.
7. Bazball transforming England’s Test side
What happens when you combine a one of a kind retired batsman with a modern captain on a clean slate? The answer, Bazball, and what looks like a revolution of test cricket.
6. A brilliant T20 World Cup
While there will be the usual people who complain of the tournament’s regularity (and rightly so), the T20 World Cup had some incredible matches.
Standout games include Zimbabwe’s thrilling win over Pakistan, Ireland upsetting England, and a captivating final to top it all off. An England team, with a world-class Sam Curran, were outstanding throughout (apart from that Ireland game).
5. Morocco reaching the World Cup semi-finals
Never before had an African team reached the World Cup semi-finals. Never before had an Arab team got that far. Never before had a team garnered so much support from the whole globe. Morocco inspired us all, their team spirit and fans reaching new heights.
4. Sydney United 58 reaching the Australian Cup final
Yes, the behaviour by the Sydney fans in the final was disgraceful, we all know that, but for a semi-professional side to beat Western United and Brisbane Roar is pretty impressive to say the least. They made a mockery of themselves in the final though.
3. The Women’s Rugby World Cup being a fantastic stage for women’s rugby
Postponed from 2021, the Women’s Rugby World Cup was worth the wait. The first to be staged in the southern hemisphere, it was full of scintillating rugby of the highest order.
Those who watched the final would’ve been treated to one of the best games in a long, long time.
2. The Women’s Euros breaking all records that stood before it
Record-breaking is certainly the word that best sums up a women’s euros like never before. From start to finish, the football was truly magical. A packed out Old Trafford with over 70,000 fans in it witnessed a great display from the host nation England, before an even better display in the final at Wembley Stadium.
87,000 people were in attendance, the highest attendance ever for a UEFA game, men’s or women’s. Read my article for more.
1. Argentina winning the football World Cup
The World Cup final had everything, early goals, to late drama, and what a satisfying finish at the end of it all. Lionel Messi, cemented his place as the greatest of all time by leading his country to World Cup glory for the first time puts them deservedly at number 1.
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – DECEMBER 18: Argentina captain Lionel Messi with the trophy after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
MX
Roar Rookie
@Clipper Well he is famous enough to be invited on the AFL footy show in Melbourne. He also has his own statue in "Melbourne". Sounds like you're making up bs with no evidence or facts as usual. I'm certain he has achieved more than you ever will in your small insignificant trolling life.
clipper
Roar Rookie
Would many people outside of NSW and QLD know much about Cam Smith - even though he was the driving force of the Storm - he could probably walk around the suburbs in Melbourne without getting noticed. Abosolutely agree with Ash Barty though.
Joshua Makepeace
Roar Rookie
On second thoughts, Barty probably deserves a spot ahead of Kyrgios.
Censored Often
Roar Rookie
Ash Barty? Cam Smith? Panthers Premiership?
matth
Roar Guru
Hmmm little bit football centric. How does Kyrgios’ Wimbledon run get in but not Ash Barty winning the Aus Open, the first Australian in 44 years, and then retiring as world number 1? What about Cameron Smith winning the 150th British Open in one of the best individual performances in a very long time? We have a two time world champion in women’s javelin as well?
woodart
Roar Rookie
in no particular order and assuming top doesnt mean most enjoyable. watching the Black Ferns enjoy themselves. easily #1. it is a game, meant to be enjoyed.> monseiur clousow moment. "give me the ball, you have wasted too much time" melbourne.> english club rugby eating its own, two clubs go to the wall, all but three clubs carrying unsustainable debt. shadenfraude. >scott macglachlan, indy car driver, wow!go scott's>playing regular social table tennis with other wrinklies, best sporting moments are the ones you take part in.>georgia and italy beating the "big boys" at rugby. no longer a game with only four teams capable of winning, international rugby is putting club rugby firmly in its place. (predictable and overdone).>being in a SRO crowd when a competitor dies...from mexican waves to silence in one minute... something I never want to experience again.>sportspeople getting honours for services outside sport(we venerate sportspeople for throwing a ball, there is more to life)>samoan delight at their team being in league world cup final,nrl?,hah!> and finally, the crowd after the womans world cup final in auck, best atmosphere of ANY crowd .maybe it was the extra oestregen.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Spot-on, Joshua.
Joshua Makepeace
Roar Rookie
I'm aware the women's euros wasn't covered well in Australia but it really reached new heights for the women's game, you wouldn't normally see 87,000 people turn up for England v Germany in the men's game, so it was quite staggering.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Um Ash Barty and Cameron Smith. Glad to hear the womens Euro's went well (soccer I presume) but this Australian sports fan was not even aware it was on. Each to their own.
Brepen
Roar Rookie
Wow couldn’t find a place for Ash Barty or Cameron Smith.