Sporting reflections

2012 was stage for some incredible sporting moments, abetted by being an Olympic year. There were a few falls from grace but over all it proved to be one for the albums. Here is my list of the events in the sporting world that set the flash bulbs in over drive.

Rafa and Nole played the longest final in grand slam history at 5 hours 53 minutes. That Novak came out on top against the most tireless of them all is testimony to his fitness, both mental and physical. Men's tennis has never been better and lets hope we get to see an encore in a few days time.

Chelsea might have had their struggles but they landed the Champions League for the first time trumping Bayer Munich in penalties. Benitez is at the helm right now in a tumultuous time for coaches and the blues may find it tough to land any silver ware this year.

She has called her movement akin to a cow on snow when playing in clay earlier. Nevertheless, the same bovine movement helped Maria Sharapova capture her first French Open title. She remains the only consistent threat to the hegemony of Serena in women's tennis and this may prove to be another fruitful year for her.

Records are not new to Nadal but even he would have rejoiced this one. A seventh Roland Garros title defeating the man to beat would have tasted sweet. He was sidelined with troublesome knees after that and has not returned to the scene since but one would not bet against an eighth win come May later this year.

Euro 2012 anointed Spain as the undisputed leaders of the beautiful game. Their margin of four goals over Italy was the biggest for any Euro decider and the world champions showed that they are a league apart when it comes to winning the big ones. Missing out on an Olympic medal would have rankled though.

Roger Federer returned to the hallowed SW19 lawns in a bid to stall the rampaging Djokovich. Not only did he conquer his record equaling seventh title, he sent out a loud warning to his competitors that he is not yet done. May this year continue to bear fruits for the GOAT.

Bradley Wiggins became the first man to win the Tour De France title. His feats at the Olympics only cemented his place in the annals of the greatest British athletes. Armstrong on the other hand was stripped of his titles for refusing to fight dope charges. The cycling world did come round a full circle last year.

London hosted the biggest party in the world with the summer games. Phelps finished his career with 18 golds and that mark should stand the test of time. Bolt delivered on his promise to become a legend by leaving the beast in his wake. Rudisha won the 800m without a pace setter and Britain pushed Russia to the fourth position at their home games.

Rory McIlroy roared and announced his arrival in earnest bagging the PGA Championships title with  record eight shot margin. Now only if his good friend Caroline Wozniaki can replicate trophy winning form this year. With Woods getting back some of his form, this could be an interesting year for golf.

Andy Murray became the first player since Fred Parry to win a grand slam title by landing the US Open. This after the Olympics gold ended the year on a high for the Brit and should propel him onto bigger things this year.

West Indies won the T20 cricket world cup defeating the Lankans at home. This could be the fillip, the Caribbean nations need to launch their way back into cricketing glory. Marlon Samuels played the knock of his life the and Gangnam celebrations just highlighted what joy these men can have and give.

Sebastian Vettel became the youngest triple world champion in F1 and underlined his dominance in the motor sport that once his Compatriot ruled. Red Bull provided the best car and a challenged from Ferrari and Alonso may become tougher this season.