In 55 wide-ranging lists, TIME surveys the highs and lows, the good and the bad of the past 12 months
Athletes
John Carlos: Looking Back at a Raised Fist and at a Raised Consciousness
John Carlos is probably best known for what seemed to be an act of defiance in the face of the world’s most recognizable event: the 1968 Summer Olympics. But for him and U.S. track and field teammate Tommie Smith, it was an …
Game, Set, Match: The U.S. Open, In Pictures
The tennis fortnight illuminates New York City.
U.S. Open: Bubba Watson’s Loopy Swing and Olympic Club Not a Great Match
Bubba Watson’s wild club movement and pink driver shaft are unlike any on the Tour
Should Drug Cheat Dwain Chambers Be Allowed to Prosper at the Olympic Games?
Ever since failing a drug test in 2003, it’s been a tough road back to redemption.
Amar’e vs. the Fire Extinguisher: The Top 10 Silliest Off-the-Field Sports Injuries
After Amar’e Stoudemire smashed his hand through a fire extinguisher case following the New York Knicks’ loss to the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs, leaving him out of action for an untold number of games, TIME takes a …
8 Philandering Athletes
As Tiger tries to make a comeback at the Masters, TIME takes a look sports stars who may not have always been faithful to their wedding vows
Will The UK’s Olympic Uniforms Cost The Brits Medals?
Did the designer Stella McCartney disadvantage Team GB by not including more red in their Olympic outfits?
Gary Carter: A Baseball Career in Photos
The Hall of Fame catcher’s 21-year career included numerous awards and legendary moments
The Experts Weigh In: Messi May Be the Best of All Time — Except for One Thing
TIME talks to a host of pundits about the wondrous abilities of the 24-year-old Argentine
Happy Birthday, Muhammad Ali: 70 Iconic Images for 70 Years
On his 70th birthday, TIME presents 70 iconic images (and one for good luck!) of the boxing legend and Civil Rights activist, as athletes, celebrities and photographers recall their favorite memories of The Greatest
My Fearless Sports Predictions for 2012
From the NBA to the NHL to the future of Andrew Luck, here are TIME’s top predictions for the year in sports. Just don’t take them to the bank
Top 10 Sports Superstitions
From the playoff beard to lucky shorts, sport stars are fond of using of unconventional measures to ensure their team’s success in the big game. As the 2011 World Series kicks off, TIME takes a look at superstitions that have …