Manchester never seems to be too far from sporting success, but even by the city’s high standards, 2024 has been pretty special. With the city’s two Premier League football clubs both winning trophies — and looking good for the upcoming season — and a host of Greater Manchester athletes picking up medals at the Olympics, there’s been plenty for Manchester to shout about over the past few months.
And shout about it, we will. Our sports stars have done the city proud, and that’s why we’ve put together a short blog that guides you through the city’s sons, daughters, and teams that have put Manchester sports on the map this year.
Winning Manchester Athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Team GB did the nation proud at the Olympics, coming in 7th in the final medal table — and that was, in part, thanks to the Manchester champions who managed to bring home a medal. Let’s take a look at the Manchester athletes who earned a podium finish in Paris.
Keely Hodgkinson
It’s no surprise that Keely Hodgkinson brought home a medal. The Wigan-born athlete has long been regarded as one of the nation’s finest-ever runners. At the Olympics, she proved her class by picking up the gold medal in the 800 metres.
Hannah Kelly
Hannah Kelly, a Bury native, may not have appeared in the final of the 4×400 metre relay, but she very much helped the team along the way, competing in a heat round that set the country up for victory.
James Guy
James Guy, another Burn native, proved that he fully belongs at the Olympics by picking up his second gold in the 4×200 metre freestyle relay. That makes two gold and three silver Olympic medals for Guy, and you wouldn’t be surprised if he adds to his tally in the future.
Georgia Taylor-Brown
Georgia Taylor-Brown was made to be an Olympian champion. She won an (individual) silver and (team) gold at the Tokyo Olympics, and this year managed to snag bronze in the team triathlon. She’ll be happy to be taking the medal back to her hometown of Droylsden, though might be disappointed that it’s not a silver — it was only in the final review that it was revealed that the USA had actually clinched second place.
Anthony Harding
GB’s diving team did exceptionally well this year, and Anthony Harding more than played his part. The Ashton-under-Lyne native brought a bronze medal home for his performance in the 3 metre spring synchronised diving event alongside teammate Jack Laughter.
They’re the Manchester athletes who brought a medal home, but we also must give a special mention to Aimee Pratt, Patrick Brown, and Charlotte Worthington, all of whom, despite not earning a podium finish, very much made their city and country proud.
And The Premier League Clubs Didn’t Do Too Bad Either
We’re pleased that Manchester’s athletes performed so well at the 2024 Olympics, but even if they hadn’t, it would still have been a good year for Manchester sports. After all, both Manchester City and Manchester United managed to pick up silverware this year.
Manchester City
It was another exceptional season for the always-brilliant Manchester City, who won the Premier League for a record fourth consecutive time. They also picked up winners’ medals in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Club Cup competitions.
Manchester United
It didn’t look like the 23/24 season would be all that special for Manchester United, who experienced a campaign of mixed form in the league. However, they ended the season on a high, winning the FA Cup against city rivals Manchester City at a packed Wembley Stadium.
Manchester United’s Opening Fixtures
With Erik ten Hag kept on as Manchester United manager, there’s hope that the positive signs of last year’s campaign can be turned into sustained success this time around. The Old Trafford team will begin the season against Fulham, before taking on Brighton and fierce rivals Liverpool.
Manchester City’s Opening Fixtures
There have been suggestions that this might be Pep Guardiola’s final season at the Etihad. If it is, he’ll be just as determined to win the Premier League as he always has been.
Manchester City begin their campaign away at Chelsea on August 18th, before taking on Ipswich Town and West Ham.
And Much More To Come
As we’ve seen, it has been a memorable year for Manchester sports so far, with plenty of success to celebrate. And we’re pretty confident that there’ll be even more success in the near future. Let’s go, Manchester!
