Neil Ewing: Raise a toast to the sports heroes who won respect if not medals

Not every sporting legend wears a medal around their neck. For some, just being at the start line, or on the pitch, is a war won, beating back injury, intimidation or mental strain

Meath football Cillian O'Sullivan (left) and Irish 100m hurdler Sarah Lavin (right). Pictures: Sportsfile

THE Christmas season sees plenty of awards handed out and medal winners recognised for their achievements during the year. Most fans judge sportspeople by their medals. Sportspeople judge sportspeople in a more nuanced way. Medals are tangible currency, but the gold standard is respect. Game judges game by the level of respect they have for them. Respect for them as rivals, or as teammates or as predecessors in the arena.

The awards season will see the medal winners get the due credit. While lauding their achievements we should acknowledge some, among a multitude, who had a 2024 which will have earned them a lot of respect from their contemporaries.