With a Japan-focused mission, our reporting team covered the wide world of sports in 2024. From start to finish, chronicling Team Japan's 45-medal haul at the Paris Olympics from half a world away was our biggest, most challenging project of the year.
Indeed, it was also an outstanding year for Shohei Ohtani, the first member of MLB's 50-50 club. The World Series-winning superstar received prominent news coverage on SportsLook in 2024.
But there was much more, an abundant variety of sports news, features and commentary highlighting the achievements and noteworthy stories of Japan's athletes (fan favorites like boxer Naoya Inoue and figure skater Kaori Sakamoto), teams, leagues and major competitions. As always, we also kept close tabs on Japanese athletes competing overseas.
Without further ado, we're pleased to report that our top 20 sports stories of the year showcased a big mixture of topics ― from highly popular sumo news to figure skating along with boxing, baseball, tennis, horse racing and basketball.
We express our gratitude to you, our readers, for making these the top 15-11 sports stories in 2024.
15. [NOTES on a SCORECARD] For Kei Nishikori, the Paris Olympics Should be His Competitive Farewell
Veteran tennis player Kei Nishikori has coped with a slew of physical setbacks in recent years. Wrapping up his career in Paris would be a fitting conclusion.
14. [JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK] Sumo Stablemaster Miyagino Demoted as Punishment for Wrestler's Violence at Stable
By Ed Odeven
Emphasizing the stablemaster's responsibility for his wrestler's behavior, the JSA cut his pay and demoted the winningest yokozuna in sumo history by two ranks.
13. Forever Young Places 3rd at Kentucky Derby in Photo Finish
By Ed Odeven
Jockey Ryusei Sakai's ride secured the best-ever finish for a Japanese thoroughbred in the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
12. Shunned by the Pros, Female Sumo Wrestlers Find Japan's Ancient Sports Has Plenty to Offer
A growing number of women are finding their own space in the dohyo. In doing so, as sumo wrestlers, they are setting and achieving ambitious goals.
11. Shoma Uno Retires From Competition After Illustrious Career
Two-time world champion Shoma Uno retires with three Olympic medals, a record-tying six Japan men's singles titles and a Grand Prix Final gold medal.
Follow our series on 2024's Top 20 Sports Stories to see if your favorite story made the list.
RELATED:
- 2024's Top 20 Sports Stories
- [ODDS and EVENS] Forever Young Brings a Perfect Record into the 150th Kentucky Derby
Author: SportsLook
