Four decades on, the debate over the greatest sporting year continues, and 1985 makes a compelling case. From snooker's black-ball drama to a teenage tennis sensation, the year delivered iconic moments that still resonate today.
Snooker provided one of the most memorable finals in Crucible history. Steve Davis, a three-time world champion, raced into an 8-0 lead against Dennis Taylor, only for Taylor to mount a stunning comeback. The final frame came down to the last black ball, and Ted Lowe's simple 'no' as Davis missed captured the tension. Approximately 18.5 million viewers on BBC Two watched Taylor celebrate, with his local community dancing in the streets.
Northern Ireland enjoyed a fine year in sport. Barry McGuigan fought four times in six months, winning the world featherweight championship and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. The national football team also qualified for the World Cup, a feat they have not repeated since.
Cricket in 1985 provided the perfect entry point for a young fan. England's Ashes victory, though against modest sides, hooked a generation. The summer brought the joy of Soul Limbo, Richie Benaud's commentary, and new heroes in Tim Robinson, David Gower, Allan Lamb, Ian Botham and Richard Ellison. The NatWest Trophy final added to the excitement, a reminder of the thrilling one-day finals of the 1980s.
Golf saw Sandy Lyle win the Open Championship at Sandwich, ending Great Britain's long search for a champion golfer. The Ryder Cup, revitalised by the inclusion of European golfers in 1979, culminated in a historic victory at the Belfry. Sam Torrance sank the winning putt to end 28 years of hurt, creating the great event we see today.
Wimbledon 1985 introduced the world to a 17-year-old unseeded German, Boris Becker. Having won Queen's in the run-up, Becker's diving, keepie-uppie style captivated Centre Court as he went all the way to win the title. His arrival marked a turning point in tennis, adding to the year's extraordinary sporting legacy.
