Here are my favourite sporting moments of the last 10 years.
Evers-Swindell Twins Winning Gold at Beijing 2008
Probably the least expected gold medal win of the two that New Zealand's most successful twins have won in their career. Poor form prior to the Olympics meant they were never really considered a chance by many but they quietly got on and made the Final and in an epic finish, snatched the win right on the line from the Germans. A fitting finish to their careers.
Silver Ferns Winning Gold at Delhi 2010
I'm not normally a netball fan but this was still quite thrilling to watch - double overtime, not many sports can claim to go that far in a final. The final was one for the edges and came down to a benign mistake which handed the Silver Ferns the critical two goal margin in a marathon game.
Michael Campbell Winning the US Open
Probably the greatest achievement by a Kiwi golfer this side of Sir Bob Charles' British Open win.
Jenson Button Winning the 2009 F1 Championship
From the moment Button made his debut for the Williams team at the tender age of 19 in 2000, I've always been a Button fan, following him through his often turbulent career. I thought it was all over in 2009 when Honda pulled out of F1 but Ross Brawn stepped in and bought what was left of the team and in a remarkable change from rags to riches, helped the Brawn team win its first and only championship in 2009 and Jenson Button his first world title at the end of the year which started with him being out of an F1 drive.
Europe Winning the 2012 Ryder Cup
The most thrilling finish to a Ryder Cup ever. Possibly the greatest performance by a team in a day ever as Europe rallied from behind to break American hearts at home.
The Final Moments of the 2011-12 Premier League season
The greatest finish to a league season ever and one that will be remembered forever as both Manchester clubs and great rivals battled right into injury time of the 2011/12 season in the most thrilling title fight yet. Even for neutral fans, this was one that they'll never forget - most were probably cheering on City to upstage their more successful rivals across town and they got their wish .
Liverpool Winning the Champions League
The greatest Champions League final in history. Liverpool rally from being 3-0 down at half time against rugged and experienced European campaigners, AC Milan to draw 3-3 in six thrilling minutes, then held on for the rest of normal and extra time for the inevitable penalty shootout. Incredibly, it was the Italians who had won their last Champions League title on penalties that cracked as Liverpool won their 5th European title and the right to keep the trophy.
Kiwis Winning the 2008 Rugby League World Cup
An upset for the ages - the Kangaroos were set to win the World Cup at home after dominating much of the tournament with the Kiwis just happy to be there; the Kiwis hadn't won a test against their rivals on Australian soil for ages, but they won the one that mattered.
All Whites at the 2010 World Cup
Probably the greatest atmosphere for any sporting event in New Zealand, All Blacks games included. This was probably the most important game for the All Whites since the 1982 World Cup and they and Wellington delivered. After a 0-0 draw in Manama, the All Whites took the lead through Rory Fallon and held on, even saved a penalty, to book their place in the World Cup in South Africa.
They didn't do themselves too badly there - getting the whole country up at unearthly hours and keeping noise control busy as they finished the tournament as the only unbeaten side - not even eventual champions, Spain could say they were unbeaten.
All Blacks Winning the 2011 Rugby World Cup
The greatest sporting moment of my life. If I wanted to quit following sport, I can do it knowing that I have seen the All Blacks at least win the World Cup once in my life and be very happy.
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