Editors' Picks: Most Notable Sports Moment of 2012

Editor's Note: The following is part of a special "end-of-the-year" series in which local editors from your nearby Patch towns highlight their favorites in various topics.  

What was your favorite sports moment of 2012? 

Jonathan Friedman - Editor, Attleboro-Seekonk Patch

From my earliest days through college, I was a competitive swimmer. I was never good enough to be an Olympian, but I have a tremendous respect for those who are. And every four years, it is exciting to see swimming in the spotlight. Special kudos go to Michael Phelps, who looked like he had lost his magic when he didn't even win a medal in his first individual event, the 400 IM (first time since 2000 that had happened), but then regained it later in the week with spectacular wins in the 200 IM and 100 butterfly, while concluding his final competitive race (allegedly) with he and his teammates winning gold in the 4x100 medley relay.

Dan Libon - Editor, Wrentham Patch

Manchester City winning the 2012 English Premiere League title was probably the best moment in sports that you didn't probably hear about. For those not familiar with British soccer, there are no playoffs. Whoever has the best record after 38 games is crowned the champion.

With Manchester United winning their final game of the year, it was going to take a win from City to win their first league title since 1968 and down 2-1 to Queen Park Rangers with only stoppage time to play, it looked like Man United would be the champions of England once again. 

City got hope in the 90th minute when a goal from Edin Ezeko tied the game with five minutes of stoppage time left. A goal from Sergio Aguero in the 94th minute send the home crowd into hysteria as Manchester City completed the literal last second comeback in the final moments of the match. While the title stayed in Manchester, the trophy moved to the other side of town in one of the year's most thrilling conclusions to a season in any league around the world.

Jeremie Smith - Editor, Foxborough Patch

Patriots winning the AFC Championship at home against the Baltimore Ravens, punching a ticket to Super Bowl 46 in Indianapolis. In a year when Boston’s sports team trended down, the New England Patriots emerged as a true title contender. Playing for the late Myra Kraft, the Pats advanced to Super Bowl XLVI to face the New York Giants. And while 2012 did not yield a fourth Super Bowl title for the Patriots, the improbable journey to get to the big game was inspiring and memorable, capped off by a wild finish at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Pat Maguire - Editor, Easton Patch

I'll stick with Boston sports moments, and unfortunately it wasn't a good one.

In Super Bowl XLVI, the Patriots once again lost to the New York Giants. It was a difficult way to start the sports year, but there was some good to take out of it. It was the fifth time in 10 years that the Patriots went to the Super Bowl. While they've fallen in the last two, that is impressive. Let's hope the beginning of 2013 brings a better fate for the Pats.

Jeff Pickette - Editor, Stoughton Patch

Nationally, there are the Replacement Refs in the NFL, the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal, and the NHL lockout. But, I'm a Boston-centric person when it comes to sports, so some of the top sports moments of 2012 include the Patriots near capture of a fourth Super Bowl title, only to be left heartbroken by Eli Manning and the Giants, again, thanks in part to a highlight reel catch in the waning minutes of the game, again. The Celtics were perhaps the most likeable team in Boston in 2012. How could you not root for this cast of aging superstars who made an improbable run to the Eastern Conference Finals, losing in game 7 to the Heat's younger "Big 3." And then there's the Red Sox. Bobby Valentine. 69-93. Last place. Embarrassing losses. Phony sell out streaks. To borrow from Neil Diamond, these bad times never seemed so bad on Yawkey Way.

Ben Paulin - Editor, Walpole Patch

London Olympics - As far as Boston sports go it's been a pretty disappointing year. With the Patriots losing in the Super Bowl, the Celtics missing the finals by one game, the Bruins being locked out and the Red Sox being pathetic it wasn't quite what we are accustomed to around here. So I'm going with the Summer Olympics in London. I thought London did a great job hosting the games and the story lines were very memorable. Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, Ryan Lochte and Aly Raisman all gave thrilling performances for the record books.

Kelly Mello - Editor, Norton Patch

For a long time, Lance Armstrong was a symbol of strength and courage. Then news came out that he was running a doping scheme and he was stripped of his seven titles and was asked to return $4 million in Tour de France winnings. What's more, The Lance Armstrong Foundation he organized dropped his name and is now known as The Livestrong Foundation. 

Kelly Glista - Editor, Norwood Patch

My biggest sports moment of the year is actually the lack of sports moment… or the lack of many sports moments. The lack of an entire season, actually. Obviously I’m talking about the NHL lockout. This is the second lockout the league has had in less than 10 years, and this time around I don’t think fans will be nearly as forgiving. This will cost the NHL more than just money – it could cost them most of their fan base.

Want to weigh in? Let us know what your favorite sports moment of the year was. Tell us in the comments section below!