The world of sports saw quite a few significant events in 2009 and it seems a good time to look back, reflect, celebrate and, in some cases, forget. Here are my top five sports moments of the past year.

No. 5: Del Potro Shocks the World

It wasn’t Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Andy Murray who hoisted the U.S. Open trophy at this year’s tournament. It was sixth-seeded Juan Martin del Potro who became the only player to ever beat both Nadal and Federer in back-to-back days. Del Potro cruised over Nadal in straight sets, then beat Federer in a five-set thriller, ending Roger’s 40-match winning streak and dream of winning six straight U.S. Open titles. With this win, del Potro makes the case for the biggest sports upset of 2009.

No. 4: Tiger’s Demise

Who do you pick – Tiger Woods, who has won 14 majors in his career and has never lost a 54-hole lead at the PGA Championship, or relatively unknown Y.E. Yang, whose only win on the tour came earlier this year at the Honda Classic? Like you, I picked Tiger. What a mistake. Yang came out of nowhere and shocked the world’s No. 1. By doing this, Yang became the first Asian-born player to ever win a major. Since that loss, Tiger hit a rough patch in the last month when all of his transgressions were discovered and his position as the top role model to millions of kids was put in doubt. Either way, it may be a long time before Tiger collects his 15th major.

No. 3: Usain Bolt’s Lightning Speed

Who said lightning can’t strike twice? He’s the record holder for the 100 meter, 200 meter and the 4×100 meter relay and holds the Olympic record for all of these races. What makes Bolt so special is that he quite simply doesn’t lose. This year, Bolt accomplished an amazing feat by not coming in second in any of his events; he only won. Prediction: this 23-year-old Jamaican is going to be breaking many records for years to come.

No. 2: Yanks and Lakers Regain Dominance

Leading up to the Fall Classic, many said, “It’s about time the Yankees won a World Series.” With the additions of C.C. Sabathia and Mark Teixeira, the Yankees were clearly the best team in baseball this year. The Philadelphia Phillies were outmatched in a series that made it to the sixth game. Alex Rodriguez had an incredible year by going from a hated steroid user to a beloved World Champion. The Lakers also had a special year by downing the Orlando Magic in five games. With this finals’ victory, MVP Kobe Bryant won his fourth championship in the last 10 years.

And The No. 1 Sports Moment of 2009. . .
Going Where No Man Has Gone Before: Jimmie Johnson Drives into the History Books

You could say Jimmie Johnson had a pretty good year. He won his fourth consecutive NASCAR championship, extending the “Johnson Dynasty” and race car legend. No driver has ever won four straight in the sport. (Did I mention that he has won it four times in a row?) Johnson also earned the well-deserved title of Associated Press Athlete of the Year (a title which no driver has ever won). My pick to win next year’s NASCAR championship? Johnson wins his fifth straight.

If the 2010 sports year is anything like last year’s, we’re all in for a treat.