With a Japan-focused mission, our reporting team covered the wide world of sports in 2024, as highlighted in our top 20 sports stories. 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 20-16 sports stories in 2024.
20. Wrestlers at Scandal-Hit Miyagino Stable Transferring to Isegahama Stable
The move is further punishment of former yokozuna Hakuho, whose protege Hokuseiho committed physical violence at Miyagino stable, leading to sanctions.
19. Shohei Ohtani: Fun Facts and Memorable Quotes to Mark His 30th Birthday
By Ed Odeven
Two-time AL MVP Shohei Ohtani is having a terrific season for the Los Angeles Dodgers, providing a big spark on offense and energizing the fan base.
18. Takerufuji Handed Painful Loss on Penultimate Day of Spring Basho
Not only did the makuuchi division rookie lose his Spring Basho match, he was also carted away on a wheelchair, leaving his status for the final day uncertain.
17. Terunofuji Makes Triumphant Return on Opening Day of New Year Basho
The veteran yokozuna overpowered komusubi Ura in dominant fashion on Day 1 of the New Year Basho, appearing in his first match since July 2023.
16. [ICE TIME] Taira Shinohara Benefits from Training with Yuma Kagiyama
After practicing with Kagiyama for seven days, American Taira Shinohara said, "There is more effort, energy and importance put into each thing I do on the ice."
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Follow our series on 2024's Top 20 Sports Stories to see if your favorite story made the list.
Author: SportsLook
