GOLDEN YEAR

Last 12 months have been just a Brit special

2025 has got quite something to live up to.

And it stands a chance, considering it will host a bonanza of sport which includes the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup, the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, the Ryder Cup and an Ashes series in Australia next winter.

England's Lionesses will be the defending champions at the summer's Euros in Switzerland, and there will be the Women's World Cups in rugby union and cricket.

Not to mention the small matter of Wimbledon, The Open and Rugby League World Cup.

But it would be remiss not to look back as well as forward, after a golden sporting year, which provided some much-needed salvation from 12 months of unrest around the world.

Under soggy French skies in July the Olympics kicked off but before long it was raining medals thanks to Team GB.

In total they claimed 65, including striking gold 14 times.

Alex Yee (triathlon), Tom Pidcock (mountain biking), Bryony Page (gymnastics), Nathan Hales (shooting) all shone bright in Paris.

Other triumphs came in rowing and swimming while Britain took top spot on the podium in rock climbing, equestrian, trampolining, sailing and cycling.

Ultimately, it was Keely Hodgkinson who became the golden girl, blazing to glory in the 800m on a memorable night in the Stade de France to fulfil her lifelong dream.