PARIS was at the centre of the sporting world in 2024 as the Olympics and Paralympics put on a show.
After the Covid-enforced delay and restrictions imposed on Tokyo, the French capital embraced its freedoms with an ambitious river-based opening ceremony and venues that made use of the city's famous sites.
The crowds brought enthusiasm and joie de vivre and were rewarded by a star turn from home hero Leon Marchand, who sped to four gold medals in the pool.
The British Paralympic team finished a clear second in the medal table behind China, while the likes of Keely Hodgkinson, Alex Yee and the rowing team shone at the Olympics, but a gold shortage saw Team GB relegated to seventh.
A few weeks earlier, England's men came agonisingly close again to a first major football trophy since 1966.
They scraped through the rounds at the European Championship in Germany, making it all the way to the final, where they were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Spain.
Denne historien er fra December 31, 2024-utgaven av Birmingham Mail.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 31, 2024-utgaven av Birmingham Mail.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Enigmatic Ollie still a bit hit and MISS on goals front
VILLA manager Unai Emery says Ollie Watkins needs to regain his confidence as the striker still searches for his best form.
Albion win it in STYLE as Maja brace restores hope!
JOSH Maja's first-half double helped Albion move back into the Championship play-off places with a comfortable 3-1 win over Preston at The Hawthorns.
End Of The Gold Rush
TEAM GB FAILED TO HIT THE HEIGHTS OF RECENT GAMES
Hwang Has Twin Target For Wolves
HWANG Hee-chan's New Year resolutions are to keep the positive momentum going and play without injuries.
Floods Cast Doubt Over Blues Fixture
WIGAN postponed their New Year's Day game against Huddersfield - three days before Blues visit The Brick Community Stadium.
Bears Looking To Get An Ed Start!
ED Barnard says eyes are firmly fixed on Warwickshire's 2025 season opener as the countdown to the new campaign begins in earnest.
End Of A Vera
Time to say goodbye to our favourite detective
Concern About Cat Blood Clots
My friend's elderly cat was put to sleep last week due to suddenly developing paralysis of both back legs.
What To Do With Your Unwanted Festive Gifts
YOUR CONSUMER RIGHTS CHAMPION
Migrant Crossings Up 25% In 2024
THE number of migrants arriving in the UK in 2024 after crossing the English Channel in small boats was up by a quarter on the previous year, figures show.
