2024 Sports Highlights That Stirred Our Emotions

Sports have a remarkable ability to touch our emotions, and 2024 delivered numerous unforgettable moments.

In baseball, Freddie Freeman, who was named the World Series MVP, returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers to a heartfelt standing ovation after he stepped away to care for his son in the ICU. Meanwhile, New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea delivered one of the best performances of his career mere hours after receiving the heartbreaking news of his aunt’s passing.

In basketball, iconic broadcaster Dick Vitale received encouraging health news, while LeBron and Bronny James made NBA history together.

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris also inspired tears, both on and off the field, notably with Celine Dion‘s emotional comeback performance that left Kelly Clarkson nearly speechless.

As we transition to 2025, let’s reflect on the sports moments that transcended the mere score and left us yearning for more.

The NHL Honors 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; he and his brother, Matthew, lost their lives in a cycling accident caused by a motorist. At just 31 and 29 years old respectively, they were in New Jersey to celebrate their sister Katie‘s wedding. At the time, Johnny’s wife, Meredith, was also pregnant with their third child, who was born in December. The couple also had a daughter, Noa, who is now 2, and a son, Johnny, who is now 9 months.

The unexpected loss sent shockwaves through the hockey community, prompting tributes and displays of support from both Johnny’s former teams, the Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames, who honored the late player at the season’s start.

In addition to tributes and vigils held at arenas, over a dozen Columbus players attended Noa’s birthday celebration in a show of solidarity.

The Gaudreau family’s return to Calgary coincided with a powerful tribute to Johnny before the team’s game on December 3.

Freddie Freeman Embraced by Dodgers as His Son’s Health Improves

Freddie Freeman, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ first baseman, faced the emotional challenge of missing two weeks of play while his 3-year-old son, Maximus, battled Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that required an eight-day ICU stay.

After Max returned home and began his recovery, Freddie marked his return to the game on August 5 during a home match against the Philadelphia Phillies, where Dodgers fans greeted him with a standing ovation upon his first appearance at the plate. Weeks later, with Max back in attendance at his first game post-hospitalization, his teammates donned #MAXSTRONG t-shirts to honor him.

“It was an unforgettable night,” Freddie reflected post-game.

Cowboys Cheerleader Dances Without Her Wig Following Alopecia Diagnosis

Armani Latimer took to the field at AT&T Stadium for Monday Night Football on November 9, going wig-free after disclosing her alopecia diagnosis on Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

Diagnosed at 12, Latimer had traditionally performed wearing a wig but chose to remove it, stating that she wanted to redefine societal expectations for women struggling with similar issues.

“If I can conquer my negative self-talk and redefine my perception, I hope to pave a brighter path for the next young girl diagnosed, so she can heal earlier than I did,” she articulated. “We’ve all felt the societal pressure on women; let’s empower each other instead.”

Dick Vitale Celebrates Being Cancer-Free

Dick Vitale, an ESPN college basketball commentator, is celebrated for his boundless enthusiasm and his tireless efforts towards cancer research fundraising. After battling cancer on several fronts, he joyously declared himself cancer-free on December 12.

“Dr. Rick Brown just called – my PET SCAN at 7 AM came back CLEAN OF CANCER!” Vitale shared on social media. “SANTA CLAUS came early! Thank you all for your prayers. I’m cutting down the nets, baby—this is my National Championship!”

Coincidentally, Vitale’s announcement followed the Jimmy V Classic, an annual college basketball event at Madison Square Garden, which raises funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Vitale shared a close friendship with Jim Valvano, who is celebrated for his emotional ESPYS speech in 1993.

Celine Dion Delivers a Stunning Performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Celine Dion made a triumphant return to the stage at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking her first live performance since being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome. She sang Edith Piaf‘s “L’hymne à l’amour” against the breathtaking backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, a moment that deeply moved Kelly Clarkson, prompting tears.

“I can hardly express my feelings,” Clarkson stated as her cohosts Mike Tirico and Peyton Manning looked on in awe.

Emotional Moment for Diana Taurasi’s Family

During the gold medal game, the legendary player Diana Taurasi embraced her parents, Mario and Liliana, who were courtside as she clinched her sixth Olympic gold medal, leading Team USA to a nail-biting 67-66 victory against France. Mario, a former professional soccer athlete, was moved to tears in the stands.

Following the game, Diana shared a heartfelt moment with her father, kissing him on the forehead as their family gathered for photos to commemorate the occasion.

LeBron and Bronny James Make NBA History

Bronny’s unique journey to the NBA included a health scare just before his collegiate season at USC and some mixed reviews throughout. However, drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round, Bronny shared the court with his father, LeBron, for the first time on October 23.

This marked the first time a father-son duo played together in an NBA game, momentarily silencing the critics as they performed on the court together.

“The moment we checked in together is one I will cherish forever,” LeBron expressed after the game. “No matter how my memory fades, I will always remember that moment.”

Sean Manaea Dedicates His Game to His Late Aunt

Sean Manaea delivered an unforgettable performance in the New York Mets’ 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on October 8 during Game 3 of the 2024 National League Division Series, tragically just hours after hearing of his Aunt Mabel‘s passing.

In a display of love and remembrance, Manaea blew a kiss toward the sky after being taken out of the game. “That was for my aunt,” he stated post-game. “I just found out she passed early this morning. That performance was dedicated to her.”

He continued, “To everyone back home, I love you all deeply. I understand times are tough, but we’ll overcome this together. My love goes out to you.”