Silver Abramenko, Paralympics with thoughts of war, Messi with the World Cup, Federer and Williams farewell, Usyk and Fury meeting

Despite all the horror and pain that 2022 brought to Ukraine and the world, as well as too large and significant losses, the past year also presented many bright and emotionally pleasant moments.

Gift from Abramenko

When it seemed that the Winter Olympics in Beijing would become one of the worst in the history of Ukraine and end without awards, the situation was saved by the champion of the Games in Pyeongchang Alexander Abramenko. His performance in the grand final is an incredible intensity of emotions. Mostly for the fans who witnessed the silver Olympics for the Ukrainian.

In the grand final, Abramenko scored 116.5 points and lost 12.5 points to China’s Qi Guangpu, becoming the first Ukrainian athlete to win medals at two Winter Olympics.

Military Paralympics

If the 2022 Olympics were held in peacetime, then the Paralympic Games started in the most terrible for Ukraine first weeks of a full-scale military invasion by Russia. Let us omit the difficulties our athletes had to face to come to Beijing – there was no question of air communication in Ukraine, as well as the mood with which the athletes entered the arenas, realizing that their cities were under attack and bombardment, many were already under occupation, and the fate of relatives worries the most.

Let’s just record the result: 29 medals, 11 of which are gold and second place in the team standings (lost only to China). And just to remind you once again, in those March days of 2022, the news about the next podium of our Paralympic athletes, who, by the way, did not get tired of reminding the world about the atrocities and crimes of Russia, along with reports of the successful resistance of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, were the main suppliers of positive emotions.

Meeting in the ring Usyk and Fury

Yes, it is her, and not the second victory of the Ukrainian over Anthony Joshua, that we consider the most emotional episode in Ukrainian professional boxing. Still, after the first meeting between Alexander and Joshua, few people doubted that despite the difficult psychological state, crumpled preparation, constant postponements of revenge, the Ukrainian would deal with the former world champion in the second fight.

But the upcoming fight with Fury is a completely different matter. Firstly, this is the most anticipated heavyweight fight in the last 15 years. Secondly, Fury, after defeating Wladimir Klitschko and refusing a rematch, has a debt to Ukrainian boxing. Thirdly, it was Usyk Fury who first called for a fight, and then “jumped off”, preferring a duel with Chisora. And fourthly, this was so far the first meeting between Usyk and Fury in the ring. Even under such circumstances, we believe – not the last.

“When I entered the ring, Fury said: “See you”. Perhaps we will fight him in February or March, ”Usyk commented on the meeting. And, judging by the latest news, a new “date” of the boxers is not long to wait.

Messi with the World Cup

Finally it happened. One of the most brilliant, and perhaps the most brilliant football player in history, got the missing trophy in his collection. Moreover, the most important in world football. And he did it at the age of 35, dragging the Argentina national team to the championship title.

Seven goals scored, two of them in the final, three assists, the title of the best player of the tournament and an incredible moment with a kiss of the World Cup, which he passed with a devastated look in 2014. It was a truly glorious end to the year and a bright near-ending point, given Leo’s age, in an incredible career.

Departure of the Queenss

39 Grand Slam wins, over 50 wins in other WTA tournaments, five wins in the final WTA championship, four Olympic gold medals (one in singles, three in doubles), more than $63 million in prize money – Serena Williams definitely left his mark in world tennis.

Her farewell, at the “native” US Open, could become a real fairy tale if Williams won the tournament. And at first it was like that. 41-year-old Serena coped with Kovincic without any problems, in the second round – she gave out a real thriller with Kontaveit, in the third – she almost created a sensation in the confrontation with Tomljanovich. But alas, age takes its toll, and Serena left, albeit not at the top, but definitely with her head held high.

The scandal that shook the chess world

Magnus Carlsen unexpectedly lost to American GM Hans Niemann at the Sinquefield Cup in September, ending his 53-game unbeaten streak. The next day, the Norwegian chess player withdrew from the tournament altogether. “I have always enjoyed playing in St. Louis. I hope to come back here in the future,” Carlsen was laconic on social media right after his decision.

A week later, at the Julius Baer Generation Cup tournament, Carlsen again found himself on the same board with Niemann in an online tournament and resigned with only one move. True, this time the Norwegian was more eloquent.

“I know that my actions upset many in the chess community. I am disappointed. I want to play chess. I want to continue playing chess at the highest level in the best tournaments. But cheating in chess is a big problem. I also believe that the organizers of chess tournaments and all those who care about the integrity of the game we love, should seriously consider strengthening security measures and methods for detecting cheating at the chessboard. When Niemann was invited to the Sinquefield Cup at the last minute, I seriously considered pulling out of the tournament right away, but decided to play anyway.

I believe that Niemann cheated more than he publicly admitted. His advancement was unusual, during our play at the Sinquefield Cup I got the impression that he was not tense or even fully concentrated on playing in critical positions, beating me with black in a way that I think only a group of players can do. This game helped change my point of view.”

Later, Chess.com published its investigation. It stated that Niemann “probably received illegal assistance in more than 100 online games” back in 2020, including at tournaments where there was a prize pool.

Farewell to Roger Federer

Tennis left not only one of its Queens, but also one of the Kings. Roger Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, 6-time Grand Slam winner, Olympic champion and medalist with a total of 111 victories at ATP tournaments, retired. Together with him, an entire era in tennis has gone, during which for 23 years he remained one of the symbols of this sport.

The farewell of the legend also turned out to be symbolic. Roger played his last match in his professional career at the Laver Cup paired with Rafael Nadal, his most principled and greatest rival. Yes, the Swiss and the Spaniard eventually lost to the Americans Sok and Tiafoe, but it was really a worthy departure. And very emotional: the usually cool and calm Federer, who delivered his farewell speech, could not hold back his tears …