Sport has experienced some difficult times over the years, but nothing has created so much havoc in the world's sporting calendar as the Covid-19 virus. No sport escaped the wrath of the pandemic. Little did we know back in March that the disruption would go on for so long and take such a toll.
Although not related to the coronavirus, this year we lost far too many wonderful sport personalities, beginning in January when Los Angeles Lakers basketball star Kobe Bryant was killed in a tragic helicopter accident in California along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
Another American sporting icon, Don Shula, one of the most successful NFL coaches in history, died aged 90. Shula only experienced two losing seasons in 33 years as coach of the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Colts.
On nine occasions, this column sadly turned into an obituary as we lost yet another icon from the past. So first of all, let's pay tribute to those who are no longer with us.
Lest we forget: Four members of England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad passed away this year, although two, Peter Bonetti and Norman Hunter, did not actually play. However, Jack Charlton and Nobby Stiles were key performers. "Big Jack" held the defence together and later enjoyed a successful spell as manager of the Republic of Ireland. Stiles became an important player in the World Cup and a lasting image will always be of an ecstatic Stiles at Wembley with his toothless grin.
Thai F1 driver Alexander Albon. (Photo: Reuters)
Munich survivor: Another famous name lost in February was former Manchester United and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Harry Gregg at the age of 87. A highly accomplished goalie, Gregg was best remembered for his heroics as a survivor of the 1958 Munich air disaster. Gregg dragged Bobby Charlton and Dennis Viollet away from the burning wreckage and then returned to help manager Matt Busby. Another top goalkeeper, Ray Clemence, died at the age of 72. The Liverpool and Tottenham star earned 61 England caps.
Magical Maradona: The world also paid tribute to two football legends. Argentina went into mourning with the news of Diego Maradona's death at the age of 60. Maradona was best known for his outstanding World Cup-winning performance in the 1986 tournament during which he scored one of the finest goals ever, although in the same game, against England, he also produced the notorious "Hand of God" goal. The gifted Argentinian also led Napoli to two successive league titles in Italy. Only two weeks after Maradona's death, Italian striker Paolo Rossi also passed away, aged 64. Rossi was Italy's hero in their successful 1982 World Cup campaign, scoring six goals in the tournament including one in their 3-1 victory over West Germany in the final. We must not forget former Liverpool manager Gerard Houliier whose outstanding relationship with his players made him one of the most popular gaffers ever.
JJ gone: In other sports, the rugby world mourned the death of Wales and Lions winger JJ Williams whose explosive runs thrilled crowds everywhere. Australian batsman Dean Jones, once regarded as the best one day international batsmen in the world, passed away aged 59. Jones also hit a memorable Test double century against India in the tied Test in Madras in 1986, despite suffering severe heat exhaustion. The golfing public paid tribute to Peter Alliss whose whimsical BBC commentaries opened up a bigger audience for golf than ever before.
Argentina's Diego Maradona celebrates with the World Cup trophy in 1986. (Photo: AFP)
F1 legends: In the year in which Lewis Hamilton won his record-equalling seventh F1 world title, we bade farewell to one of Britain's racing pioneers, Stirling Moss, aged 90. He was admired not just for his considerable driving skills, but also his courage, sportsmanship and all-round behaviour.
There were still some 2020 sporting events we can celebrate:
Just like the old days: After 30 long years Liverpool finally won the English league title again and they did it in style, wrapping up the title by a massive 18-point margin from Manchester City. Reds manager Juergen Klopp and his team had to celebrate their remarkable achievement in an empty stadium.
Fantasy league: There was a noticeable flood of goals as the new Premier League season got going, but no one could have predicted on the same Sunday the following results: Manchester United 1 v 6 Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa 7 v 2 Liverpool.
Sweet redemption: A January 11 scoreline of Leicester 1 v 2 Southampton does not seem remarkable, but it came only 12 weeks after Leicester had humiliated the Saints 9-0 at St Mary's stadium, plunging them into the relegation zone. Full marks to the Southampton owners who stood by manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Tennis star Naomi Osaka during the US Open. (Photo: AFP)
Double fault: Tennis star Novak Djokovic was disqualified for accidentally hitting a female linesperson in the throat with a ball at the US Open. Things did not improve for the Serb when he lost the French Open final in straight sets to his old foe Rafael Nadal.
People's champ: Japan's Naomi Osaka wins friends on and off the court with her second US Women's Open victory and her brave stance on fighting racism. Before and after each match at Flushing Meadows, she wore a mask bearing the name of a different Black American who had suffered racial injustice in the United States.
Hail to the Chief: Patrick Mahomes winning his first Super Bowl with an MVP performance for Kansas City Chiefs after fourth quarter comeback.
Pumas in paradise: In one of the biggest upsets in rugby history Argentina beating the mighty All Blacks 23-15 with Nicolas Sanchez scoring all the Pumas points, prompting the Herald on Sunday headline: "Super Sanchez goes ballistic. All Blacks are atrocious."
Mike Tyson, right, hits Roy Jones Jr during their fight last month. (Photo: AFP)
One of those days: India bowled out for a record low score of 36 in the first Test against Australia in Sydney. Not one batsman reached double figures. Stunned captain Virat Kohli commented: "It really hurts…everything happened so quickly."
Lady ambassadors: The Thai women's cricketers returned home from Australia with their heads held high after a courageous performance in their debut at the Women's T20 World Cup. Led by captain Sornnarin Tippoch, they played with enthusiasm, dignity and skill. The fact that the Thai team had been competing against the best in the world was an achievement in itself. Other players in the squad included Nattaya Boochatham and Natthakan Chantam.
Jasmine blooms: Another Thai lady who performed well was golfer Jasmine (Thidapa) Suwannapura, runner-up at the Women's British Open in August. She did not appear too upset at just missing out, commenting: "You can't be any happier than playing golf at Royal Troon in Scotland."
Learning curve: Despite two podiums and finishing seventh in the overall standings, Thailand's F1 driver Alexander Albon loses his seat at Red Bull. A disappointed Albon vowed to "wave the Thai flag again" soon. He continues as a test driver for the team.
Golfer Jasmine Suwannapura plays at the Women's British Open at Royal Troon.
Puff daddy: After his fight with Roy Jones Jr last month which ended in a draw, Mike Tyson admitting he smoked marijuana before the fight: "Listen, I can't stop smoking. I smoked during fights. I just have to smoke, I'm sorry, I'm a smoker. I smoke every day."
Hollywood comes to Wales: American film stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds take over struggling Welsh club Wrexham AFC, vowing to make the club "a global force." Best of luck with that one.
Ghost games: It was the Bundesliga which in May paved the way to restart football matches, playing in empty stadiums. Known as "Ghost Games" with piped-in crowd noises, they were actually quite entertaining considering the circumstances, although one observer claimed it was "like going to a nightclub without any music, or a pub with no beer."
A Happy New Year to everyone and let's hope you can find a pub with a beer.
Argentina's rugby star Nicolas Sanchez scores against New Zealand. (Photo: AFP)