The Anti-Sports Personality of the Year awards for 2024 highlight some of the most bizarre, controversial, and outright ridiculous moments in sports this year. While the world often celebrates the triumphs and achievements of athletes, these stories delve into the darker, stranger side of the sporting world.
A Tumultuous Year for Xiangqi
Xiangqi, or Chinese chess, endured a series of scandals that tarnished its reputation. The chaos began when Yan Chenglong, a prominent player, won the National Chinese Chess King tournament. His celebration spiraled into infamy when he was accused of damaging hotel property and violating public decency after defecating in his bathtub. Yan claimed he suffered from severe diarrhea and intended to clean up but had to leave for a flight. The incident left a stain on the sport, but the controversies didn’t stop there.
In September, two of the sport’s top players, Wang Tianyi and Wang Yuefei, were banned for life for conspiring to fix matches. This revelation coincided with broader corruption scandals in Chinese sports, including lifetime bans for dozens of football officials and players. The Xiangqi Association’s efforts to rebuild trust face an uphill battle after such high-profile scandals.
Canadian Football’s Drone Debacle
The Canadian women’s football team faced its own storm of controversy during the Olympics. The team was caught using drones to spy on opponents, a practice they had allegedly employed for some time. Security officials intercepted a drone monitoring New Zealand’s training session, leading to the confiscation of the device and legal consequences for its operator.
The fallout was severe. An assistant coach and an analyst were sent home, and head coach Bev Priestman was suspended before being dismissed after an investigation revealed her indirect involvement. The scandal overshadowed the team’s performance, as they advanced to the knockout stages despite being docked points, only to exit the tournament shortly after.
The Camille Herron Saga
Ultramarathon runner Camille Herron had an extraordinary year on the track, breaking numerous records in a six-day endurance race. However, her achievements were marred by off-track drama involving her husband, Conor Holt. Holt edited Wikipedia pages of Herron’s competitors, removing accolades from rivals while embellishing her own page with phrases like “legendary” and “steely toughness.”
The edits drew widespread criticism and led to Herron being dropped by a major sponsor. Meanwhile, complaints allegedly made by Herron about rival runners’ record-breaking performances have prevented those achievements from being ratified. The ultrarunning community has expressed frustration over the divisive behavior surrounding her career, despite her undeniable talent.
The Colombian Basketball Farce
In a bizarre twist, Russia’s basketball team, barred from the Olympics, hosted an international tournament to maintain their competitive edge. Somehow, a Colombian architecture student in Kazan intercepted an invitation meant for Colombia’s basketball federation. Posing as a representative, he arranged for a team of friends and acquaintances to participate.
The makeshift team, which included amateurs and even a basketball blogger, faced a humiliating defeat in their opening game, losing 102-53. The incident left organizers scrambling to adjust the tournament schedule and format. The Colombians were sent home, bringing an end to one of the most surreal moments in international basketball.
The Ghanaian Paralympic Mystery
In another case of a fake team, a supposed Ghanaian Paralympic squad traveled to Norway for a marathon. None of the athletes participated in the race. The group’s coach tragically passed away in an Oslo hospital, one member was arrested attempting to cross into Sweden, and the rest disappeared. The bizarre incident remains shrouded in mystery, with authorities still searching for answers.
These stories serve as a reminder that while sports can inspire and unite, they can also be a stage for absurdity, corruption, and scandal. The Anti-Sports Personality of the Year awards shine a light on these tales, offering a darkly humorous counterpoint to the usual celebration of athletic excellence.
