I ranked these in order of importance, number of people it affected, and how dramatic the story was. Feel free to comment or post your own rankings.
100) NHL starts winter classic
The NHL had its first ever “Winter Classic” on New Year’s Day 2008 as the Buffalo Sabres hosted Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins outdoors in front of 71,000 at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Penguins won in an overtime shootout.
99) Pirates set losing seasons mark
The Pittsburgh Pirates became the first franchise in sports history to have 17 consecutive losing seasons when they finished the 2009 season 62-99. The last time the Pirates had a winning season was 1992, when the team won the division.
98) Celtics edge Bulls in dramatic series
The 2009 NBA playoffs featured an opening round series that saw the second seeded Boston Celtics defeat the seventh seeded Chicago Bulls in seven games. Four of the seven games went to overtime, and there were seven total overtime periods.
97) Four UNC players taken in top 14
The UNC draft class of 2005 was so talented, four players were taken in the top 14 of the NBA draft. The Hawks took Marvin Williams #2, the Bobcats took Raymond Felton #5 and Sean May #13, and the T’Wolves took Rashad McCants #14.
96) Rocco Mediate takes Woods to 91st hole
One of the most exciting playoffs in golf took place at the 2008 U.S. Open. Relatively unknown Rocco Mediate and Tiger Woods were tied after 72 holes. After the 18-hole playoff, the two were still tied until Woods bested Mediate on hole 91.
95) Tim Tebow sets college football legacy
Florida Gator quarterback Tim Tebow sat behind senior Chris Leak as a freshman and watched the Gators win a national championship in 2006. He became the starter in 2007, won another national title in 2008, and was a Heisman winner.
94) UConn women go 39-0 twice
The most dominant women’s hoops team of the decade was the Connecticut Huskies. In 2002, the women claim their second of five decade championships with a perfect 39-0 season. In 2009, they would go a perfect 39-0 again.
93) Kevin Everett suffers life-threatening injury
One of the scariest injuries of the decade was when Buffalo Bill Kevin Everett suffered a career-ending and life-threatening cervical spine injury on opening day in 2007. Everett was able to walk again even after doctors said he would not.
92) Paul Tagliabue steps down as NFL commissioner
Paul Tagliabue stepped down as commissioner of the NFL in 2006 after 17 years at the helm. During Tagliabue’s time there were no lockouts or strikes, and he introduced a strict salary cap and six new franchises to the league.
91) Four one-seeds reach Final Four.
For the first time, March Madness produces four #1 seeds in its Final Four as North Carolina, Kansas, Memphis and UCLA all made it to San Antonio in 2008. Not surprisingly, the attendance for the ‘07 tournament was the highest in history.
90) Texas upsets USC in Rose Bowl
Numbers one and two all season, Texas met USC in Pasadena for the national championship in the 2006 Rose Bowl. Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush led an explosive USC offense, but Vince Young got the last laugh as Texas won 41-38.
89) Thirteen pitchers throw no-hitters in 2000s
Hideo Nomo, A.J. Burnett, Bud Smith, Derek Lowe, Kevin Millwood, Randy Johnson, Anibal Sánchez, Mark Buehrle (2), Justin Verlander, Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, Carlos Zambrano and Jonathan Sánchez threw no hitters this decade.
88) Jimmy Johnson wins AP male athlete of the year
In 2009, NASCAR racer Jimmy Johnson became the first racing athlete to ever win the AP Male Athlete of the Year Award. Johnson won the Sprint Cup Series for the fourth consecutive year in 2009, and has been in the top five every year since 2002.
87) Phillies become first franchise to lose 10,000
The Philadelphia Phillies became the first sports franchise to lose 10,000 games, losing number 10,000 on July 15, 2007. Ironically, the Phillies weren’t losers that year – they won the NL East. The Atlanta Braves have the second-most losses.
86) Pacman Jones suspended for legal troubles
Adam “Pacman” Jones was arrested in 2005 for assault, in 2006 for disorderly conduct, and in 2007 for a shooting and drug deals, among other incidents. The NFL suspended Pacman for a total of 22 games in the 2007 and 2008 seasons.
85) Ravens win Super Bowl with stellar defense
The Baltimore Ravens throttle the New York Giants 31-7 to win Super Bowl XXXV. Baltimore proves it doesn’t need flash to win. Trent Dilfer did just enough, and the defense dominated, allowing the fewest points and rush yards in a single season.
84) Golden State shocks Dallas
The eighth-seeded Golden State Warriors defeated the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the first round of the 2007 NBA playoffs. The Warriors, coached by former Dallas coach Don Nelson, are the first eight seed to win a best of seven series.
83) Ohio State (#1) defeats rival Michigan (#2)
The 2006 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated their hated rival Michigan Wolverines 42-39 in the last regular season game for both teams in 2006. The matchup featured the rivalry, a #1 vs #2, a Big Ten championship and national title berth.
82) Biggio record hit number 3,000
Craig Biggio, a 20-year veteran with the Houston Astros, recorded hit number 3,000 on July 28, 2007 against the Colorado Rockies. Biggio was the 27th player to join the club. Less than a month later, he announced he would retire.
81) Titans advance with Music City Miracle
Down one point with 16 seconds left, the Tennessee Titans used a throwback on a kickoff return to score a touchdown and beat the Buffalo Bills 22-16. Frank Wycheck took a handoff and threw laterally to Kevin Dyson, who took it 75 yards.
80) Super Mario rescues Jayhawks with three pointer
Dead in the water through 38 minutes, the Kansas Jayhawks stage a dramatic comeback, helped by Memphis Tiger missed free throws, to win the 2008 national championship game. Mario Chalmers’ three with two seconds left forced overtime.
79) Tom Watson makes historic British open run
Tom Watson made a historic run at the British Open Championship in 2009. The 59-year-old veteran led most of the tournament and had the gallery on his side, but three-putted the 72nd hole to fall into a playoff. He lost to Stewart Cink.
78) Lakers defeat Kings in epic seven-game series
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings in seven games in the 2002 Western Conference Finals. Robert Horry’s last-second three wins game four, Mike Bibby’s shot wins game five, and the Lakers take the last two of the dramatic series.
77) Expos move to Washington
The Montreal Expos moved to Washington D.C. and became the Nationals after the 2004 season after 35 years in Canada. Major League Baseball bought the team, and the league decided to make the move to the U.S.
76) Detroit Lions go 0-16
The Detroit Lions made NFL history in a bad way in 2008-2009 by becoming the first NFL team to lose every game of a 16-game schedule. Daunte Culpepper quarterbacked for most of the season, and Ron Marinelli coached the team.
75) Rachel Alexandra wins Preakness
Racehorse Rachel Alexandra made history in 2009 by becoming the first Philly in 85 years to win the Preakness Stakes. Alexandra actually won eight major races in 2008 and 2009, and has won nine races in a row. She will race again in 2010.
74) Rockies win 21 of 22 to make playoffs
One of the best stretches of baseball came in 2007. The Colorado Rockies won 21 of 22 games, including a dramatic one-game playoff, to win the NL Wild Card. They would sweep their way to the World Series before falling to Boston.
73) Penguins get revenge on Wings to win Stanley Cup
One year after losing to the Detroit Red Wings in six, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup in 2009, defeating the Wings in seven games. Every team won on home ice through the first six, but Pittsburgh steals game seven in Detroit.
72) Weinke becomes oldest player ever to win Heisman
After leading Florida State to two consecutive national championship games, Chris Weinke threw for 4,167 yards in his senior year and won the Heisman Trophy at age 28. Florida State went to its third straight national championship but lost.
71) Spurs continue decade’s best dynasty
Say what you want about the Lakers, the best NBA team this decade was San Antonio. After winning its first championship to close the 1990s, the consistent Spurs tacked on three more this decade – in ‘02-’03, ‘04-’05, and ‘06-’07.
70) Yankees begin, close decade with championship
The New York Yankees won the Subway Series, beating the crosstown rival Mets in 2000. The Bronx Bombers then went the rest of the decade without winning a title – an unusual feat for them – until beating the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009.
69) McMahon’s XFL falls flat
In 2001, WWF owner Vince McMahon created the “Xtreme Football League” in 2001. A league with custom-name jerseys and rules to “toughen” the game did not go over well, and the league failed after just one season due to low TV ratings.
68) Home teams win dramatic one-game playoffs
In 2007, the Colorado Rockies scored three runs in the bottom of the 13th to beat visiting San Diego 9-8. In 2008, the Chicago White Sox rode a Jim Thome HR to a 1-0 win over Minnesota. In 2009, Minnesota walked off in 12 to beat Detroit 6-5.
67) Marlins win the World Series
No World Series winner was more unpredictable than Florida’s 2003 run. After being in the NL East basement, they fired manager Jeff Torborg, replaced him with Jack McKeon, and shocked the Giants, Cubs and Yankees to win as a Wild Card.
66) LeBron arrives in the NBA
The 2003 -2004 season was the first for LeBron James, the number one overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers straight out of high school. James quickly became one of the most dominant players in the league, and has an MVP and a gold medal.
65) Terrell Owens can’t stay in one place
Terrell Owens, one of the greatest wide receivers in the NFL, might be better known for his unwillingness to cooperate. Owens left the San Francisco 49ers in 2003 and played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills.
64) Florida wins back-to-back basketball titles
Lead by a superb frontcourt that included Joakim Noah and Al Hortford, the Florida Gators won back-to-back NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007. All five starters returned after the surprise first title to help lead the dominant Gators.
63) Armstrong finishes third in return to Tour
After three years of not racing in the Tour de France, Lance Armstrong returned to professional cycling in 2009. His goal was to “raise awareness of the global cancer burden.” His third-place finish in the 2009 Tour was inspirational for many.
62) Syracuse defeats UConn after six overtimes
In one of the most exciting college basketball games of all time, the Syracuse Orange defeated the Connecticut Huskies in the 2009 Big East quarterfinals. Eric Devendorf’s shot was waved off at the end of regulation, setting the stage for 6 OTs.
61) Steve McNair shot and killed
Among the tragic losses in 2009 was former NFL MVP Steve McNair, who was shot and killed by his mistress in a murder-suicide. McNair played for the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens and was selected to the Pro Bowl three times.
60) Schottenheimer fired after 14-2 season
The 2006-2007 San Diego Chargers went 14-2, but lost in the AFC divisional round to the New England Patriots. Head coach Marty Schottenheimer was fired one month later. The move puzzled many because of his success during the season.
59) Zidane headbutts Materazzi
A bizarre scene took place during the 2006 World Cup final match when Zinedine Zidane, France’s best player, inexplicably head butted Italy’s Marco Materazzi in overtime. Zidane was ejected, and Italy won the World Cup in a shootout.
58) Celtics complete largest turnaround in NBA history
The 2006-2007 season was a terrible one for the 24-58 Boston Celtics. But Danny Ainge traded for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, and the Celtics went 66-16 in ‘07-’08, a 42 game improvement. They beat the Lakers in the NBA Finals.
57) Nadal overtakes Federer as world’s #1
Rafael Nadal sat number two behind Roger Federer for 158 weeks before taking the world’s number one ranking away from him in August 2008. Nadal and Federer played each other four times that year, and Nadal won all four to help boost him.
56) Boise State shocks Oklahoma in Fiesta Bowl
The undefeated Boise State Broncos defeated the favored Oklahoma Sooners with a bundle of trick plays in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. A hook-and-ladder tied the game with seconds remaining, and a Statue-of-Liberty play won the game in overtime.
55) Williams gets into legal trouble
In 2002, former NBA star Jayson Williams was on trial for the murder of a limousine driver, though the charge was reduced to manslaughter. In February, he was Tasered after a violent hotel incident, and was arrested after a May bar fight.
54) Mets blow seven game lead in September
One year after owning the best record in the National League, the 2007 Mets seemed poised to finish what they couldn’t in 2006. But in the last 17 games of the season, the Mets blew a seven game lead, allowing the Phillies to win the NL East.
53) Adrian Peterson sets single game rushing record
One of the greatest single-game performances in NFL history occurred on Nov. 4, 2007 when Adrian Peterson set the single-game rushing record with 295 rushing yards. Corey Dillon ran for 278 in 2000, and Jamal Lewis ran for 295 in 2003.
52) Ichiro comes to America, brings hit barrage
The Seattle Mariners signed Ichiro Suzuki, one of Japan’s most prolific hitters, in 2001. He has 200+ hits in each of his first nine seasons, including an MLB-record 262 hits in 2004. He already has 2,030 hits in his MLB career.
51) Manning finally beats New England, wins a ring
Peyton Manning had not beat the Patriots in the playoffs. But in the 2007 AFC Championship game, that all changed. Manning’s Colts beat New England 38-34, overcoming an 18-point deficit, then beat Chicago 29-17 to win the Super Bowl.
50) Pete Sampras retires
Tennis legend Pete Sampras officially announced retirement in August of 2003. Sampras won 14 Grand Slam singles titles, which was a record until Federer broke it at the 2009 Wimbledon. He was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2007.
49) Stallworth suspended for 2009 season following manslaughter
NFL wide receiver Donte Stallworth plead guilty to DUI and second degree manslaughter after killing a pedestrian while driving in 2009. Stallworth served just 24 days in jail, but the NFL suspended him for the entire 2009 season.
48) Michael Phelps’ behavior questionable
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps ran into trouble a few times. In 2004, he was sentenced to 18 months probation for pleading guilty to driving under the influence. In 2009, pictures were released showing Phelps smoking marijuana.
47) Grady Little leaves Pedro in
With a 5-2 eighth inning lead in game seven of the 2003 ALCS against rival New York, Red Sox manager Grady Little decided to leave starter Pedro Martinez in the game following three straight hits. Pedro blew the lead, and the Red Sox lost.
46) Annika Sorenstam plays with the men
One of the most successful female golfers of all time, Annika Sorenstam may be best known for playing in the 2003 Bank of America Colonial – a men’s PGA Tour event. She also won 10 LPGA majors and 72 tournaments overall, both records.
45) Pat Tillman dies while serving in the Army
Pat Tillman, the former linebacker and safety for the Arizona Cardinals, left the team in 2002 to enlist in the U.S. Army after the attacks of 9/11. Tillman died while serving his country in Afghanistan in 2004, supposedly by friendly fire.
44) Roy Williams finally wins a national championship
The only thing that had eluded college coaching great Roy Williams was a national championship. That finally came in 2005 as Williams’ North Carolina Tar Heels defeated Illinois in the championship. Williams would win another title in 2009.
43) Division 1-AA Appalachian State defeats Michigan
In 2007, Appalachian State defeated then #5 Michigan 34-32 in the ‘Big House’ in one of the biggest upsets in college football history. The win was the first by an FCS team over a ranked FBS team, and leads to FCS teams being eligible for the AP Poll.
42) Cal Ripken Jr. retires
One of baseball’s most beloved players decided to call it quits in 2001 after 21 years in the league, all with the Baltimore Orioles. Ripken hit a home run in the 2001 All-Star game and was named MVP of the game. He has 3,184 lifetime hits.
41) Phil Jackson returns as coach of Lakers
Phil Jackson left Chicago following Michael Jordan’s retirement, only to return one year later to open the decade as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have won four NBA championships in Jackson’s nine years as coach, including 2009.
40) Griffey has injury-ridden decade
After playing 11 seasons with the Seattle Mariners, Ken Griffey Jr. was injured in each of his nine seasons with the Reds to open the decade. Many think that the steroid-free slugger would have the most HRs of all time if not for the injuries.
39) Players brawl with fans during NBA game
A disturbing scene took place during a Detroit Pistons home game against Indiana in 2004. After a hard foul led to some pushing and shoving, fans sparked a brawl with Pacer players. The NBA suspended nine players and two fans faced charges.
38) Nick Saban leaves LSU for the NFL
Nick Saban spent the first five years of the decade at LSU, winning two BCS bowls and a national championship in 2003. But when the Miami Dolphins offered him $5 million and control of all operations, Saban left, but went 15-17 in two seasons.
37) Brett Favre retires, then unretires…twice
One of the greatest and most well-liked quarterbacks of all time called it quits in 2007, then returned with the Jets after Green Bay wouldn’t take him back. After one season in New York, he retired again, only to come back with Minnesota.
36) Kobe scores 81 points
Kobe Bryant had one of the greatest single-game performances of all-time on Jan. 22, 2006 against the Toronto Raptors when he scored 81 points. Bryant shot 60 percent, making seven threes and scoring 55 of the 81 points in the second half.
35) Serena Williams takes over women’s tennis
Williams became the #1 ranked tennis player for the first time in July of 2002, and has been ranked #1 five different times. She had all four Grand Slam titles at once in 2002-2003, and has won 23 Grand Slams overall, including doubles.
34) Tim Donaghy bet on games he officiated
One of the black stains of the NBA occurred when Tim Donaghy, an NBA referee from 1994-2007, pleaded guilty to betting on NBA games he officiated. It was believed that he purposely miscalled games to affect point spreads and win his bets.
33) Danika Patrick first woman to win a race
Patrick became the first woman to ever win a race when she won the Indy Japan 300 in 2008. She started racing in the Indy Car Series in 2005, where she was named rookie of the year. She is arguably the most influential female athlete.
32) Michigan legend Bo Schembechler dies
Michigan coaching legend Bo Schembechler died in 2006, one day before the Wolverines took on rival Ohio State. Schembechler coaches the Wolverines from 1969-1989, compiling a 234-65-8 overall record. He also coached at Miami.
31) New England becomes NFL team of the decade
A Drew Bledsoe injury made way for an unknown QB named Tom Brady in 2001. Brady took New England to the Super Bowl, winning that and two more after that. The Patriots seemed destined to win the 2002 Super Bowl following 9/11.
30) Unlikely pair throw perfect games
Randy Johnson is considered to be one of the most dominant and powerful pitchers in baseball history, while Mark Buehrle is known better as a finesse, fast worker. Both threw perfect games this decade – Johnson in 2004, Buehrle in 2009.
29) Marion Jones admits to steroid use
Marion Jones, a dominant track and field athlete, was forced to forfeit her five gold medals from the 2000 Olympic games after admitting that she took steroids before the games. Jones was sentenced to six months in jail, which she served in 2008.
28) White Sox break 88-year drought
Lost in the losing streaks of the Cubs and Red Sox was the Chicago White Sox’ drought, which was actually longer than Boston’s. The White Sox broke the streak by winning the World Series in 2005, highlighted by an 11-1 postseason.
27) David Beckham signs with the L.A. Galaxy
David Beckham, one of the world’s top soccer players, left Real Madrid in 2007 to play soccer in the United States. Beckham had hoped to boost the popularity of the sport in America, a country considered to be behind the curve with soccer talent.
26) George Mason goes to the final four
Cinderella’s slipper fit the Patriots perfectly in 2006. George Mason entered the NCAA men’s basketball tournament as a #11 seed and upset Michigan State, North Carolina, Wichita State and Connecticut before falling to Florida in the semifinals.
25) Katrina forces New Orleans teams to relocate
The massive destruction Hurricane Katrina put on New Orleans in 2005 forced the city’s Hornets and Saints to relocate. The Saints played home games in Baton Rouge and San Antonio, while the Hornets played two seasons in Oklahoma City.
24) 2006 Duke lacrosse scandal proved false
A North Carolina Central student accused three Duke lacrosse players of raping her. Though the accusations were later deemed false, the scandal forced the cancellation of the rest of the season, and coach Mike Pressler resigned.
23) NBA creates one and done rule
Prior to 2006, high school players were allowed to enter the NBA draft, so players like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Garnett never went to college. The new rule forced players like Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose to spend a year in school.
22) NHL lockout cancels 2004-2005 season
A dispute between players and owners over salary issues, including a salary cap, caused the cancellation of the entire season. It was the first time an entire pro sports season had been cancelled, but resulted in the new salary cap we have today.
21) Steelers win record six Super Bowls
In 2005-2006, the Pittsburgh Steelers won their record-tying fifth Super Bowl under Bill Cowher as a #6 seed, beating Seattle 21-10. Three years later, the Steelers would do it again, winning a 27-23 thriller over Arizona for the record.
20) Tiger Woods scandal shakes golf
Tiger Woods, considered by many to be the greatest golfer of all time, was accused of having an affair with a nightclub manager. The next day, he crashed his car, leading to media attention surrounding his personal life and family.
19) Federer emerges as most dominant man in tennis
Roger Federer became the world’s number one ranked tennis player in 2004 and held that ranking for 237 consecutive weeks. He briefly fell to #2, but regained the #1 ranking to close the decade. He has 15 Grand Slam titles – the most all time.
18) USA men’s basketball team slips at Worlds, Olympics
Loaded with a slew of NBA All-Stars, the USA men’s basketball team finishes sixth at the 2002 World Championships, then settles for bronze in the 2004 Olympics. It’s the lowest finish by the team ever at Worlds and tied for lowest at the Olympics.
17) ‘Iron Mike’ era ends with loss to Lewis
In one of the most publicized and highly anticipated fights in boxing history, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis tangled on June 8, 2002. Lewis dominated, KOing Tyson in the eighth round. Tyson would fight a few more times before finally retiring.
16) Dale Earnhardt Sr. dies
A tragic final-lap crash at the 2001 Daytona 500 took the life of one of NASCAR’s all-time greats. Earnhardt won 76 races and seven Winston Cup Series titles. After Earnhardt’s death, NASCAR focuses on safety with safer cars and tracks.
15) BCS creates controversy beginning in 2004
In 2004, the Auburn Tigers became the first undefeated BCS team to be left out of the BCS National Championship. Utah went undefeated in 2004 and 2008, Boise ran the table in 2006 and 2009, and TCU and Cincinnati went undefeated in 2009.
14) Kobe Bryant accused of rape
Arguably the best player in the NBA was accused of rape by a woman in Denver. Bryant was acquitted of sexual assault charges but admitted committing adultery. The golden boy of the NBA was no longer considered to be a role model by many.
13) Bartman sparks big inning for opponents
In 2003, the die-hard Cubs fan took a would-have-been out away from Moises Alou, extending Luis Castillo’s at-bat in game six of the NLCS. The Marlins, down 3-2 in the series and 3-0 in the game, won both. The curse of the billy-goat lives on.
12) Michael Vick indicted for dog fighting
Former overall number one draft pick Michael Vick, who two years earlier had led the Atlanta Falcons to the NFC championship, was indicted on dog fighting charges in July of 2007. He would spend a year in prison before returning to the NFL in 2009.
11) Team USA spectacular in 2002, not so much in 2006
Team USA soccer gave America a thrill in 2002, making it to the quarterfinals of the World Cup before eventually falling to Germany 1-0. The Americans upset Portugal and Mexico along the way. In 2006, they failed to win a game in the Cup.
10) Jordan indecisive about retirement…again
After Michael Jordan had called it quits following his sixth NBA championship, the love of the game brought him back again. Jordan played two seasons with the Washington Wizards before retiring. He is inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
9) Barry Bonds sets *HR records
In 2001, Barry Bonds broke Mark McGwire’s single season home run mark by belting 73 long balls. Six years later, Bonds would pass Hank Aaron for most HRs all time with his 756th. The authenticity of these records may forever be debated.
8) Patriots go perfect, only to lose in Super Bowl XLIV
The New England Patriots had the perfect team and the perfect record. They were the first team to ever finish a 16-game regular season unbeaten. But the New York Giants had other plans. Eli Manning and company upset New England 17-14.
7) Sports goes on after 9/11
In a time when America could have caved and crumbled after the attacks of 9/11, the sports world did not. The NFL postponed all games for week two, and the MLB postponed its games for three days. But, like America, sports went on.
6) Lance Armstrong wins seven straight Tour De France titles
American Lance Armstrong dominated cycling for years, winning the Tour De France the first six times in the decade, and seven dating back to 1999. What may have been more remarkable about the streak was that he is a cancer survivor.
5) Boston Red Sox end curse of the Babe
Because the Red Sox were so close for so many years, it almost appeared as though the curse of the Babe would never be broken. But the rival Yankees set a perfect stage for a remarkable turnaround, blowing a 3-0 ALCS lead to the division rivals.
4) Usain Bolt breaks sprinting world records
Perhaps no one dominates their sport the way Usain Bolt dominates sprinting. The Jamaican. In Athens in 2008, he won three golds and set three world records in the 100, 200 and 4 x 100. A year later, he would break his own 100 and 200 records.
3) Michael Phelps rakes in the gold
In the 2004 Olympic games in Sydney, Phelps took six gold medals and two bronze medals – an incredible feat for a 19-year-old. In Athens in 2008, he was even more remarkable, breaking Mark Spitz’ record by winning eight golds.
2) Diamondbacks beat Yankees in 2001 World Series
The Yankees tugged on America’s heartstrings in the first sports championship post-9/11. New York, for the first time, were the good guys. But after Pettitte got rocked and Rivera blew game seven, it was the cardiac ‘Backs who prevailed.
1) Steroids forever change baseball
Nothing has changed the landscape of sports more than the recent steroid saga. Players, records, teams and championships will forever have asterisks next to them thanks to the likes of McGwire, Sosa, Bonds, Palmeiro, Clemens and Rodriguez.
Bonus – What we didn’t see this decade:
- Triple Crown winner in horse racing
- Triple Crown winner in Major League Baseball
- Cubs winning the World Series
- True Grand Slam in golf
- Eagles winning the Super Bowl
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