Top Ten Sporting Moments
A few years back, I compiled a list like this—but it’s long gone. Time for a fresh version. No list like this is ever definitive. People will always ask: “Why not this one?” or “That’s not even a sport.” Fair enough. But this list? It’s mine. If you disagree—great. Drop a comment or write your own.
Written early 2022
🏅 10 – 1999 UEFA Champions League Final
Manchester United v Bayern Munich – May 26th, 1999
Watch on YouTube
United had already bagged the league and FA Cup. The treble was in sight—but at 89 minutes, it was slipping away. I was at The Cork in Felixstowe with Watty and Pommy, watching as United trailed 1–0. I nipped to the loo before buying the next round—and walked back into absolute chaos. Sheringham and Solskjær had both scored in injury time. United had done it.
Did I see the goals live? No. Do I still count it as a defining sporting moment? Absolutely. The eruption of noise, disbelief, and sheer joy in that pub was unforgettable. Even if I technically missed it.
🏅 9 – Beckham’s Free Kick vs Greece
October 6th, 2001
Watch on YouTube
England were on the verge of humiliation, struggling against a spirited Greece side in their final World Cup qualifier. With the game deep into injury time and England needing a draw to qualify automatically, they won a free kick 25 yards out.
Beckham lined it up—shouldered the pressure of a nation—and curled in one of the greatest pressure goals in English football history. I was at the Labour Club. The whole place exploded. One perfect strike saved England and sealed Beckham’s status as captain and national hero.
🏅 8 – Garry Pratt Runs Out Ricky Ponting
Ashes Series, 2005
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This wasn’t just a run-out—it was the psychological turning point of the greatest Ashes series ever. England’s substitute fielder, Garry Pratt (brought on as cover), ran out the Aussie captain Ricky Ponting with a direct hit.
Ponting lost his head—on the pitch and in the press. England, meanwhile, gained the edge. They went 2–1 up and didn’t look back. This moment lives rent-free in the heads of Aussie fans to this day.
🏅 7 – Daley Thompson, Decathlon Gold
1984 Olympics
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Winning gold in one event is hard enough. Winning a gold in a gruelling, two-day, ten-event discipline is another level entirely. Daley wasn’t just good—he was dominant. Charismatic. Unflappable.
For anyone with a ZX Spectrum in the ’80s, his triumph also meant shredded keyboard membranes from Daley Thompson’s Decathlon game. But watching him win—across sprints, jumps, throws, hurdles—remains one of the greatest British athletic feats of all time.
🏅 6 – Ronnie O’Sullivan’s 147 Break
UK Championship Semi-Final, 2007
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Ronnie was 7–5 down and staring at elimination. But he clawed it back to 8–8. Then, in the deciding frame, he didn’t just win—he produced a 147.
A perfect break. Under maximum pressure. To reach the final. There are hundreds of O’Sullivan highlights, but the cold precision and audacity of this moment still gives you chills. No one else does it like Ronnie.
🏅 5 – Bob Willis: 8 for 43
Headingley, 1981
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Everyone talks about Botham’s heroics. But without Bob Willis charging in like a madman and taking 8 wickets for 43 runs, the miracle of Headingley would’ve been forgotten.
It was a career-defining spell. Angry, relentless, fearless. Willis was a man possessed—and Australia had no answer. England’s comeback win lives in cricket folklore, and Bob was the overlooked enforcer.
🏅 4 – England Win the Cricket World Cup
July 14th, 2019
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What started as a forgettable final turned into cricket’s most insane finish. I was watching with mates, beers in hand, casually tuned in—until the last five overs flipped the script.
Ben Stokes, overthrows off the bat, ties, Super Over drama, and rule confusion. Every ball mattered. Even neutrals were exhausted by the end. England won… but only just. Stokes became immortal. And the chaos? Utterly gripping.
🏅 3 – Ryder Cup 2012: Miracle of Medinah
Saturday night: USA led 10–6. Everyone thought it was over. The bookies stopped taking bets. But on Sunday, Europe—sparked by Poulter’s fire and McIlroy’s flair—mounted the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history.
I watched it unfold with Parky. One by one, the momentum shifted. Donald, Lawrie, Rose, Kaymer… all heroes. Final score: Europe 14½ – USA 13½. The ultimate sporting turnaround. Every shot mattered. Every putt had weight.
This also launched the now-legendary “Verso Ryder Cup Sundays.” Tradition born from drama.
🏅 2 – Torvill & Dean Win Gold
Sarajevo, 1984
Watch on YouTube
Perfection on ice. Every British household watched it. Every judge gave perfect 6.0s for artistic impression. “Boléro” became a national anthem.
For years, this was the pinnacle of British sport. No one moved like they did. No one dared to be so precise, so elegant, so audacious. This wasn’t just a win—it was a moment where art and sport became indistinguishable.
🏅 1 – Stokes v Australia, Ashes 2019 – Headingley
Sunday morning. I caught the first session from home. Didn’t expect much. England were staring down a record run chase. I met Ed at the Labour Club. By the time we were on our third pint, Stokes was still there—calm, methodical, growing in confidence.
Then the madness began. Reverse sweeps. Massive sixes. Close calls. Partnerships with tailenders. Pure belief. When he hit the winning four, the pub erupted. Even the grumpy old lads who’d been telling us to shut up were cheering.
135 not out. Unbeaten. Unforgettable. Possibly the greatest test innings of all time.
🗨️ Final Thoughts
Everyone has their own top ten. These are mine—based on where I was, how it felt, and what it meant. Think I missed something obvious? Good. That’s what the comments are for.
