Biles dominates, Tyson-Paul and more sports moments that defined 2024

The 2024 year was filled with exhilarating sports moments, including a nail-biting men’s 100-meter final at the Paris Olympics. Fans were witness to a historic moment when Simone Biles, the gymnastics legend, made a triumphant comeback. We also celebrated Shohei Ohtani's remarkable achievement as he became the first member of the 50-50 club in baseball.

Sports fans around the world are thrilled about the excitement that the 2025 sports year will bring. However, until then, let's look back at the top sports moments that defined 2024.

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Sports moments that defined 2024

The NCAA Women's Championship game

Whether you're a women's basketball fan or not, you've likely heard the name Caitlin Clark. She had an outstanding college career with the Iowa Hawkeyes, winning numerous awards and accolades, including distinctions as the all-time Division I women's basketball scoring record holder. Although Iowa fell short against South Carolina, losing 87-75 in the championship game, this was just the beginning for Clark.

Clark went on to take the WNBA by storm and her record-breaking career followed her into the pros, claiming the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year.

Simone Biles' performance at the Paris Olympics

Simone Biles is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, a fact that was clearly demonstrated during the 2024 Paris Olympics. After overcoming the "twisties," a mental challenge that causes gymnasts to lose control of their bodies while airborne, Biles made an incredible comeback. Her journey highlighted the importance of mental health and prioritizing oneself. She returned to the competition stronger than ever in Paris.

At 27 years old, Biles now has a total of 11 Olympic medals, which includes seven gold medals, two silver and two bronze medals, after adding four new medals from the Paris Olympics.

Mike Tyson returns to the ring to fight Jake Paul

Fifty-eight-year-old former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson stepped into the ring at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in front of a sold-out crowd on Nov. 15. He faced off against Jake Paul, a former YouTuber turned boxer, who won the match by unanimous decision after eight rounds. This historic boxing event was the first to be aired live on the streaming service Netflix.

Noah Lyles wins men's 100-meters

Noah Lyles of the U.S. proved he is the fastest man in the world at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Lyles won the United States' first Olympic gold medal in the men's 100 meters since Justin Gatlin at the 2004 Athens Olympics, achieving victory in a thrilling photo finish with a time of 9.79 seconds. He was neck-and-neck with Jamaica's Kishane Thompson, who also recorded a time of 9.79 seconds. The U.S. team also claimed the bronze medal, with Fred Kerley finishing third in 9.81 seconds.

Shohei Ohtani becomes the first 50/50 player

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani, who hails from Japan, had a phenomenal year after signing a $700 million contract. He became the first 50/50 player in baseball history by hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. Ohtani played a crucial role in helping the Dodgers overcome Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees to win the 2024 World Series, the eighth national title for the Dodgers.

Ohtani ended 2024 on a high note after winning his third Most Valuable Player.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sports moments that defined 2024: 5 highlights from magical year