2008 In Review: The Top 10 Performances

Big Brown came close to doing the unthinkable; winning the three races of the Triple Crown of horse racing.

Big Brown won the 134th Kentucky Derby, and the 133rd Preakness Stakes, but after an injury finished last in the 140th Preakness Stakes.

Big Brown was discovered to have a three-inch quarter crack in his left front hoof, which eventually forced him into retirement.

This horse became the first in a long time to come remotely close to winning the Triple Crown, and caused horse racing ratings to sky-rocket.

Few words can describe the performance of San Francisco Giants' starting pitcher Tim Lincecum.

When you combine his awkward delivery, amazing speed, and frightening youth, the result is one of the most popular pitchers in the league. At just 24 years old, there are many years remaining in Lincecum's right arm.

In just his second season of major league baseball, Lincecum brought home the 2008 NL Cy Young Award. He posted a 25-10 record and led all of baseball with 415 strikeouts. His 2.62 ERA was second in the league.

Clearly, Lincecum is a dominating pitcher. Just ask veteran Lance Berkman: "He's got as good of stuff as I've ever seen. ... He's got three almost unhittable pitches."

Sam Bradford led the Oklahoma Sooners to the 2008 BCS National Championship Game, which will be played later in 2009.

Bradford posted incredible passing numbers, including 48 touchdowns in only 13 games. This 21-year old had a 186.29 passer rating, and threw just 6 interceptions.

Bradford's offense averaged 58 points per game. He dominated the competition, losing just one game all year.

Miracle Mario saved the 2008 University of Kansas' basketball season. With just 2.7 seconds remaining in the Championship game, Chalmers nailed a three-pointer, sending his team into overtime.

The Kansas Jayhawks eventually beat out the Memphis Tigers.

Chalmers was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Championship.

Stephen Curry captured the imagination of millions of people with his performance in the 2008 NCAA Tournament. Leading the small school of Davidson to the Regional Finals, Curry was named the Most Outstanding Player in his region.

Curry averaged 31.3 points per game over his junior season.

Usain Bolt shocked the world with his remarkable performance in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. He competed in both the 100 and 200 meter races, but was most remembered for what he did in the former.

Bolt broke the world record mark in the 100m dash with an outstanding time of 9.69 seconds. What is most remarkable, though, is the fact that Bolt started waving his arms in celebration with 15 meters to go.

His antics have started numerous debates on what could have been. Is it possible for a runner to break the 9 second barrier in the 100 meter dash?

The 2008 New York Football Giants, the same ones who sneaked into the Playoffs with a Wild Card, defeated the then-undefeated New England Patriots for the Super Bowl title.

Highlighting the game was David Tyree's remarkable catch near the end of the fourth quarter. He trapped the incoming ball between his hand and his helmet as he collapsed to the ground.

This game was one of the biggest upsets of all time, and an incredible one to watch.

Going into the Wimbledon Championships, Rafael was already considered one of the best tennis players of all time. Rafa, or the King of Clay, had established himself as unbeatable on a clay surface.

In order to win at Wimbledon, Nadal would need to overcome the king of grass, Roger Federer.

In perhaps the greatest tennis match of all time, Nadal ousted Federer from his throne at Wimbledon.

In the 2008 U.S. Open, Tiger Woods shocked the world by overcoming Rocco Mediate for the crown.

Woods played through 91 holes with a torn ACL in his knee. The spectators could see him grimace after every shot, and on occasion Woods would even double over in pain.

It was a remarkable victory for Tiger Woods, and easily the most memorable of his career.

Need any more be said? The mere mention of Michael Phelps' name causes sporting fans of every variety to shake their heads in wonderful amazement. Let's go through Phelps' accomplishments in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics...

400m Individual Medley - Gold Medal, World Record
4x100m Freestyle Relay - Gold Medal, World Record
200m Freestyle - Gold Medal, World Record
200m Butterfly - Gold Medal, World Record
4x200m Freestyle Relay - Gold Medal, World Record
200m Individual Medley - Gold Medal, World Record
100m Butterfly - Gold Medal, Olympic Record
4x100m Medley Relay - Gold Medal, World Record

That is a resume that every other swimmer can only dream about. Phelps' performance was the stuff of legends, and is one of, if not the greatest performance of all time.