Sometimes, success in the sporting arena stands on its own merits. Sometimes, however, it is more important as a foretaste of what is to come. The latter rang true for many of this country's sporting endeavours in 2014. With world cups in rugby, cricket and netball next year and the Olympic Games to follow in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, the focus was often on what particular performances said about the chances of victory on these stages. On that basis, aside from the Silver Ferns, it was an encouraging year, if not one designed to raise expectations sky-high.
The All Blacks confirmed they will be the favourites to retain the World Cup in London. Only a loss to the Springboks away from home when the Rugby Championship title was already won and a draw with Australia marred their season. But they were not as convincing as in previous years, and the gap between them and their opponents is becoming narrow.
The Black Caps will not carry the burden of favouritism into their World Cup, an advantage given that New Zealand and Australia are hosting the event. Nonetheless, a successful year has heightened expectations, even if much of their progress, including captain Brendon McCullum becoming the first New Zealander to hit a triple-century, came in tests. Corey Anderson's record-breaking innings against the West Indies in Queenstown and a series win against Pakistan just before Christmas suggested what might be in the one-day game, but the make-up of the team has not been settled.
The major setpiece event was the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. This was a stellar meeting for the country's track cyclists. Sam Webster took centre-stage as 11 medals were won. Earlier, the potential for the Rio Olympics was evident when he, Ethan Mitchell and Eddie Dawkins won the team sprint at the world championships. Elsewhere, however, the omens were not so good even if New Zealand enjoyed its equal-best medal haul overseas. The All Black sevens could manage only a silver medal and have a real rival in South Africa. Our swimmers, with the notable exception of Lauren Boyle, also struggled, as did the triathletes.
Nothing, however, could stop Valerie Adams. The shot putter extended her unbeaten run to 56 successive events and, deservedly, was named the IAAF World Female Athlete of the Year. The prospect of the double Olympic champ's continued dominance was marred only by niggling injuries.
