Beyond the scandals that overwhelmed the African sports fraternity, 2016 produced some of the most memorable moments in recent memory. In fact, some may argue that this calendar year may be the greatest year for African sports, ever! Before we get to 2017, here is a recap of the best moments of the year, 2016.
- THE YEAR OF RIYAD MAHREZ
Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez won the honor of winning the EPL this year with his Leicester FC. Mahrez’s star would shine brighter when he won the BBC African Footballer of the Year 2016 award and becoming the first African to win Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year. He is the only African among the 23 names shortlisted for Player of the Year by FIFA.
- CASTER SEMENYA ASCENDS
South Africa’s Caster Semenya made a phenomenal return backed by full support from home supporters, despite controversy and speculation over her gender that threatened to cloud the 800m gold medalist’s career.
- VAN NIEKERK MASSACRES THE 400M WORLD RECORD
South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk left many in a euphoric explosion of joy while American track legend, Micheal Johnson, watched on as his record was obliterated in an outstanding and unforgettable 400m final race, from the difficulty of lane eight.
- FEYISA LILESA’S STUNNING SACRIFICE
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
When he finished in the silver medal position during the Men’s Marathon, Feyisa Lilesa, crossed his arms in a symbolic protest against what he considers an oppressive Ethiopian government. Next, he explained to reporters that he made the gesture because the “Ethiopian government are killing the Oromo people and taking their land and resources so the Oromo people are protesting and I support the protest as I am Oromo.” Lilesa’s gesture was very efficient in bringing global awareness to the plight of the Oromo people in Ethiopia.
- YAYA GREATNESS
(Courtesy: ORE12.COM)
But for one player, if anything this year has proved anything, it is that he will not go down without a fight. Weighing the list of things Yaya Toure had to deal with, many thought it was over for the once revered midfielder. Months of very little playing-time and an escalating manager-agent feud, left professional career in doubt. But that would not deter the 33-year-old who came out of a three-month suspension to help win crucial points for Manchester City against Crystal Palace.
The midfielder has disproved doubts over his future and Pep Guardiola should be happy with the Ivorian’s penalty record of 10 goals in 10 attempts, 100% EPL record after scoring the only goal for City against Hull City on Boxing Day, from the spot kick in the last game.
- FAITH KIPYEGON DEFEATS THE TITANS
Kipyegon didn’t let the noise regarding her opponents greatness keep her from gold. She was going up against the world record holder Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia. Somehow, she kept her head down a delivered the race of her life. After the race, she expressed her disbelief, “I didn’t believe I could win, but I thank God for helping me to win here in Rio. It’s my first Olympics, and I’m so excited.”
- ALMAZ AYANA OBLITERATES 10000M RECORD
Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana did not only smash the world record, but she also did it by almost 14 seconds. On how she accomplished such a feat considering that it was only her second time running that particular race, she told reporters:
“Three things,” she said, through her interpreter. “Number one did my training,” she said. “Number two, I praise the Lord, he is giving me everything, everything, everything. And my doping is my training; my doping is Jesus. Otherwise, nothing. I am crystal clear.”
The women’s 10,000m world record had stood since 1993 when China’s Junxia Wang clocked 29:31.78
- THE RISE OF PIERRE AUBAMEYANG
Across Europe, Pierre Aubameyang is Borussia Dortmund’s new star. His was an impression that left many overwhelmed. It is like 2016 was set in stone for the 27-year-old who had already left a trail of success. In June 2016, he was named Bundesliga Player of the Year, a first for an African in the German league and later won the Confederation of African Football’s Player of the Year, also a first for him and Gabon. He was shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or award – later won by Cristiano Ronaldo.
- JULIUS YEGO SHOWS THE WORLD THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
Julius Yego, Kenya’s Youtube-self-taught javelin thrower, became the first Kenyan to win a field event medal. The Kenyan famously referred to as ‘Mr. YouTube man’ may not have even made it to the Rio 2016 Olympics games, if his fellow Kenyan athletes had not vigorously protested. Thankfully, the matter was resolved and the world got to witness one of the most inspirational stories you’d ever hear. Millions of kids around the world now know it’s possible to become an Olympian, even if you’re self-taught
- THE REMARKABLE COMEBACK OF LUVO MANYONGA
Luvo Manyonga had to overcome a drug addiction, to leap his way back to the top and win South Africa a silver medal in the men’s long jump. Addiction to meth had plagued Manyonga’s life. In 2012, he was banned for 18 months because of his drug problem. However, his love and dedication to the sport saw him rise over the addiction and onto the podium, hence inspiring generations of people struggling with addiction.
- CHEICK SALLAH CISSE, A NEW KING OF TAEKWONDO
Cheick Sallah Cisse used a buzzer-beating kick to win the Men’s under 80 kilograms Taekwondo fight to win gold. It was as dramatic as it gets as Cisse was trailing behind his British opponent by 4-6 points in the last second, but a reverse turning kick to his opponent’s head gave him a two-point lead. The four last second points he earned from the round kick are the most available points in a single maneuver.
After the fight, he said: “I was able to realize this dream with courage and with passion. You just have to believe in your dreams, and I am an example of it that you can achieve everything if you believe. The gold medal for me is the encouragement of two years of hard work. I started in 2013, and here I am. I am very proud of my medal.”
BONUS ONE: USAIN BOLT’S PRICELESS REACTION TO VAN NIEKERK’S WIN
It was absolutely priceless watching one champion appreciate another. It had to be one of the heartiest moments of the entire Rio Games experience. Right after watching, Bolt made sure to go and congratulate Van Niekerk in person.
Niekerk recalled their moment after.
“I was over there (Jamaica) for about two weeks training with him,” Van Niekerk said.
“He’s been such a huge rock in inspiring me as an athlete.
“He told me back in Jamaica that I would break the world record and he came to me afterwards and said ‘I told you that you can do it.’
“These are guys that inspire me each and every day to be the best Wayde that I can be.”
BONUS TWO: MICHEAL PHELPS’ MEME-TASTIC DEATH STARE TO CHAD LE CLOS
If you didn’t know what a game face is – now you do! Because Micheal Phelps meant business with that death, stare. Phelps was on his way to winning his 20th medal, so it’s no surprise how intense the moment was. In the end, he got the gold and brought us memes for the ages.
