There is a tingling sense that 2024 could compare to the glorious summer of 1934 for the nation’s athletes and teams
When the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist came out last month, a teaser began doing the rounds. Which of the six names was the odd one out? The answer: Katarina Johnson-Thompson. Because while she became world champion, no one else on the list – Mary Earps, Stuart Broad, Frankie Dettori, Rory McIlroy and Alfie Hewett – actually won the biggest event on their calendars.
Harsh? Undoubtedly. Especially given that England’s women reached the final of the World Cup, Broad retired after a thrilling Ashes, and the others enjoyed spectacular moments too. Yet it did reflect a broader truth: last year was a fine year for British sport, but not a vintage one.