2024 Sports Highlights That Stirred Our Emotions

Sports have an undeniable way of reaching our emotions, and the year 2024 was filled with poignant moments that did just that.

In baseball, Freddie Freeman, the World Series MVP, made an emotional comeback to the Los Angeles Dodgers, receiving a standing ovation after stepping away to care for his son in the ICU. In a powerful display of resilience, New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea delivered one of the best performances of his life just hours after learning about his aunt’s passing.

Basketball similarly brought heartfelt moments, as broadcasting icon Dick Vitale received uplifting news regarding his health, while LeBron and Bronny James made history in the NBA.

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris were emotional both on and off the field, highlighted by Celine Dion’s remarkable return to the stage, leaving Kelly Clarkson visibly moved.

As 2025 approaches, these are the sports moments that resonated beyond the statistics, leaving us yearning for more.

The NHL Commemorates the Late Johnny Gaudreau

NHL left wing Johnny Gaudreau was set to begin his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2024-25 when tragedy struck, as he and his brother, Matthew, lost their lives in a cycling accident with a motorist. Johnny was just 31, while Matthew was 29.

The brothers were in New Jersey to celebrate their sister Katie’s wedding, and unbeknownst to many at the time, Johnny’s wife, Meredith, was pregnant with their third child (the baby was born in December). The couple also had a two-year-old daughter, Noa, and a nine-month-old son, Johnny.

The shocking news of Johnny’s passing resonated throughout the hockey world, prompting heartfelt tributes from his former teams, the Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames, who both commemorated him as their seasons began.

Along side the tributes from both teams and vigils held at the arena, over a dozen players from the Columbus squad attended Noa’s birthday celebration.

The entire Gaudreau family returned to Calgary on December 3 for a tribute video during a game, celebrating Johnny’s legacy.

Freddie Freeman in Tears as Dodgers Honor His Son

Freeman, first baseman for the Dodgers, took a two-week hiatus from the game while his three-year-old son, Maximus, battled Guillain-Barre Syndrome in the ICU for eight days.

Upon his return on August 5 during a home game versus the Philadelphia Phillies, Dodgers fans honored him with a heartfelt standing ovation. Weeks later, Max attended his first game since recovery, where Freeman’s teammates donned #MAXSTRONG shirts in his honor.

“It was an unforgettable night,” shared Freddie after the game.

Cowboys Cheerleader Dances Authentically After Alopecia Diagnosis

Armani Latimer showcased her authenticity during Monday Night Football at AT&T Stadium on November 9, performing without her wig after publicly discussing her alopecia diagnosis on Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

Diagnosed at 12, Latimer had previously danced with a wig but felt empowered to embrace her true self.

“If I can overcome my negative self-talk and defeatist mindset, I hope to change the experience for the next 12-year-old facing a diagnosis,” she stated. “She can begin her healing earlier instead of waiting until she’s 23 like I did. There’s enough societal pressure on women already.”

“We can find empowerment in so many things; you don’t need hair to feel that,” she added.

Dick Vitale Announces He is Cancer-Free

ESPN basketball analyst Dick Vitale is renowned for his unwavering passion for the sport and his efforts in cancer fundraising. After grappling with multiple cancers, he joyfully announced on December 12 that he is now cancer-free.

“SANTA CLAUS came early! Dr. Rick Brown called to share that my PET SCAN at 7 AM came back CLEAN OF CANCER!” Vitale tweeted. “OMG, I’m so thankful for all your prayers. Yes! I’m cutting the nets down baby; it’s my National Championship!”

Timing wise, his announcement came shortly after the annual Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden, an event that supports the V Foundation for Cancer Research, honoring Vitale’s close friend Jim Valvano, who delivered a powerful speech at the 1993 ESPYs.

Celine Dion Graces the Stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics

In a landmark performance, Dion graced the stage for the first time since her stiff person syndrome diagnosis, concluding the opening ceremony at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Set against the Eiffel Tower, she sang Edith Piaf’s “L’hymne à l’amour” in French.

The performance moved Clarkson, an NBC Olympic correspondent, to tears.

“I truly cannot speak,” Clarkson said, as her cohosts Mike Tirico and Peyton Manning expressed their awe.

Diana Taurasi’s Tearful Moment with Her Father

As Diana Taurasi captured her sixth Olympic gold medal, her father, Mario, was courtside, wiping away tears after Team USA’s narrow 67-66 victory over France.

In a heartfelt moment post-game, Taurasi kissed her father’s forehead while they posed for photos together, marking a beautiful family moment in her final Olympic appearance.

Bronny and LeBron James Make History

After enduring a health scare before his only collegiate season at USC, Bronny’s journey to the NBA included controversy as he entered the draft despite a modest performance. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round, Bronny made history on October 23 as he took the court with his father, LeBron, becoming the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game.

“That moment of us checking in together will be etched in my memory forever; no matter how much I age or how my memory fades, I won’t forget it,” LeBron expressed after their landmark game.

Sean Manaea Dedicates Game to His Late Aunt

Manaea delivered an outstanding game in the New York Mets’ 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies during the 2024 National League Division Series on October 8, dedicating his performance to his late Aunt Mabel, who had passed away earlier that day.

Manaea threw into the eighth inning that night, giving up just one run on three hits. When Mets manager Carlos Mendoza lifted him from the mound, cameras captured him blowing a kiss towards the sky.

“That was for my aunt,” he shared with the press post-game. “I just got the news that she passed away early this morning. This game was for her.”

He continued, “To everyone back home, I love you all. It’s tough, but we’ll get through this together.”