2016 has been filled with many plays and games from many different sports. Here are five plays that I feel really define this year in sports:
5. Simone Manuel Dives In
Halfway through the women's 100-meter freestyle gold medal race at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Simone Manuel of the US was trailing by 0.47 seconds. Just like in many sports, being behind a half-second makes all the difference in the world, especially for setting a new world record. With literally seconds left to spare, Manuel made her hustle in the final 50 meters look simple, ultimately making history. She became the first African-American woman to win an individual swimming Olympic gold, while tying Canada's Penny Oleksiak for the win. Watch out Michael Phelps, looks like you're not the only half-man, half-fish.
4. The "Golden" Goal
The well-known and young star Neymar knows how to make Brazil, his soccer-crazed nation, proud and full of delight. Only this time, the young stud was able to come in clutch during the men's gold medal soccer match at the Olympics. All Neymar needed to do was make the final kick of a penalty shot tie-breaking shootout. He found a spot to his right, started approaching the net, stutter-stepped a bit and then finally delivered the kick. Neymar was able to out-wittingly outplay Germany goalie Timo Horn. The stadium was packed, weeping in joy - Go ahead Brazil, it's ok to cry.
3. Super Bowl M.V(on).P.
Though this was last season, it still happened earlier this year, and we cannot just ignore this. Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller had two critical strip-sacks of Carolina Panters Cam Newton in an intense, Super Bowl 50. The first sack occurred earlier during the game, giving the Broncos a 10-0 lead midway through the first quarter. The second sack was the most crucial, being that it sealed the game. I'm glad Miller won the MVP. Linebackers, or just defense in general, doesn't get enough credit sometimes.
2. Hats Off For Jose
Miami Marlins infielder Dee Gordon hit only one home run in 2016, and it was right after the death of ace pitcher Jose Fernandez. Gordon, a lefty hitter, started on the right side of the plate as part of his tribute to his late teammate. After moving back to the left side, he hit the ball farther than he ever has, while showing off his "Fernandez16" jersey. The Marlins ended up winning the game and gathered around the pitching mound, in tears, hugging one another and tipping their hats for an underrated star who was gone too soon. I'm in tears just remembering it.
1. Uncle Drew vs Splash Brother
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving has been overlooked for too long. The young point guard made sure to make a statement with only 53 seconds remaining at Oracle Arena in the 2016 NBA Finals. He stepped back on the left wing as Golden State Warriors point guard and back-to-back MVP Stephen Curry closed in on him real quick. Irving, nicknamed as "Uncle Drew," was nowhere near intimidated by the intensity and pressure as he dribbled, once, twice and shot up high into to the air, falling through for the lead GSW would never get back. His three-pointer and King James' monster block sealed the deal for the Cleveland Cav's first ever NBA title. Irving may not know it, but that was the biggest shot of his entire career, and quite frankly, one of the best shots in NBA history.
