Top Ten in 2010 Sports

With 2009 coming to a close we are reminded of some of the defining moments this year; Ben Roethlisberger’s game-changing drives in the Superbowl, Usain Bolt’s assault on his own records, even Serena Williams’ meltdown at the U.S. Open. However, I am not one to dwell on the past. So I say so long 2009 and hello 2010. With that being said here are some of the things in 2010 that I am looking forward to from the world of sports:

10.  Tiger Woods’ Run at 19!

Tiger Woods is currently second on the all time list with 14 Major Golf Championships, four behind the leader Jack Nicklaus. Tiger has only won one major in the last two years and it will be entertaining to see if he can rebound and accomplish one of the most remarkable feats in individual sports history. To put this in perspective, Nicklaus won 18 majors in a span of 24 years while Tiger has won 14 in 12 years. We are witnessing the best golfer of all time. Go get em’ Tiger.

9. Roger Federer’s Assault on the Record Book

Roger Federer rebounded in 2009, winning two majors and finally winning the French Open to give him a career Grand Slam. Federer has appeared in an unprecedented 21 career Grand Slam finals and has reached the semi-finals or better in the last 22 Grand Slam tournaments, a streak that spans over five years.  He now has 15 Grand Slam Majors and looks to expand on that amount. It will be interesting to see what the Swiss master can do in 2010 after regaining his confidence. With a healthy Nadal, lurking in his shadow, we will be in for a tennis treat.

8. FIBA World Championships

The United States have not won a Gold Medal at the World Championships dating back to 1994. However, after a dominating performance at the 2008 Olympics, it seems like the dream team is back. With Dwight Howard, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Kobe Bryant , Chris Paul and of course (“The King”) Lebron James, this may be the best USA basketball team ever assembled. With other countries, notably Spain and Argentina, stacked with both home grown and NBA talent, this tournament will not disappoint the die hard basketball fans. Canada will be attending their first tournament since 2002 and Leo Rautins should provide us with some good headlines throughout the tournament.

7. The Alex Anthopoulos Era

The Toronto Blue Jays have been struggling as of late to find a true identity and haven’t made the playoffs since they won the World Series in 1993. The inevitable firing of Ricciardi came after a struggling year and countless bad decisions. This has opened the door for Alex Anthopoulos who has been with the team since 2003. With a young new mind behind the day to day operations of this franchise we should be in for some positive moves if not we can always rely on self-humiliation.

6. Stanley Cup Playoffs

Ovechkin, Crosby, Thornton, Malkin, Zetterburg, Upsets, Overtimes, Game 7s and Rivalries. The Stanley Cup playoffs are the best playoffs in sports and I look forward to seeing if next year can top 2009 playoffs, which may have been the best in recent history.

5. World Junior Championships

The Canadian Juniors will look to win the WJC for a 6th straight year as the host next year in Saskatoon. With the best young talent in the World playing at this tournament it’s always a joy to watch and there is nothing that makes you feel more Canadian than watching this tournament during the holidays.

4. Super Bowl

Nachos. Beer. Football. Commercials. Friends. Cheerleaders. Did I mention Beer? The most watched sporting event of the year will put the top teams from the AFC and NFC in a game that never disappoints. Will Manning be able to win a 2nd Championship? Will Brady win again to end all speculation that he just may be the best QB of our generation? Will Favre once again be involved in the biggest game of the year?  Whichever two teams are playing, I know it will certainly not disappoint.

3. NBA Free Agency – July 1st, 2010

Lebron, Wade, Bosh, Stoudemire, Nash, Nowitzki, Ginoboli and many other players will be Free Agents on July 1st as this is easily the best class of free agents the NBA has had to offer in recent years.

2. World Cup

The biggest sport in the world offers the biggest tournament in the world every four years and in 2010 the beautiful game of soccer will be centre stage in Africa for the very first time. This tournament has everything a soccer fan can ask for; stiff competition, breathtaking runs, goals, big saves and upsets.  It offers a do-or-die mentality every game. With such superstars as Messi, Ronaldo, Kaka, Torres, Gerrard and Arshavin on centre stage we can only expect excitement from the 2010 World Cup. Who knows, we may even see one of the home-town African teams reach the Final Four?

1. Olympics

Vancouver, Canada will be hosting the XXI Winter Olympics next February and the world will be watching. I am excited to watch Canada’s participation in all events but  as like, almost every other Canadian I am going to circle the date for the start of the hockey tournament. After finishing 3rd in total medals in Turin 2006, the Canadian team will look to build on that past success and parlay the home-town advantage into literally ‘Owning the Podium’.

Well there you have it. 2010 looks like it will outshine 2009 and I could not ask for anything more. Truth be told though, I wouldn’t mind another Serena Williams’ meltdown. Then again beggars can’t be choosers.