Shaun Johnson and Andrew Webster at the post match press conference. Photo: David Neilson
On the fields, courts and canvases, there were plenty of magic moments in 2024.
However, not all the highlights came from athletes' actions with some also delivering some iconic lines on the mic.
Jonty Dine looks back at the most memorable sports quotes of 2024.
"Put that in the book."
Reiko Ioane gets the last laugh over Jonny Sexton and the Irish.
Autumn Nations Series, Aviva Stadium, Dublin 8/11/2024 Ireland vs New Zealand New Zealand’s Rieko Ioane leads the Haka Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland Photo: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
"He's a disgrace that c**t. Who's he?"
Rob Penney finally snapped at a reporter after constant questions surrounding] his side's dismal season.
Rob Penney Coach of the Crusaders, 2024. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"I think the way he has come to Formula 1, I don't think he has the right attitude for it. He needs to be a bit more humble."
Mexican Formula One driver Sergio Perez continues a war of words with New Zealand rival Liam Lawson following the Mexico Grand Prix.
Sergio Perez, left, and Liam Lawson. Photo: File
"I have been nice, now it's time to be a monster. I will either break his body or fracture his skull."
Kiwi boxer David Nyika sheds his nice guy moniker ahead of his bout with Tommy Karpency.
David Nyika (left) and Tommy Karpency (right). Bout 9 - IBF Intercontinental Cruiserweight Title & Vacant WBO Asia Pacific Junior Heavyweight Title fight, David Nyika (New Zealand) v Tommy Karpency (USA). Duco Boxing Fight Night at the Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday 14 September 2024. © Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
"As long as it doesn't kill me, I'll always get back on."
New Zealand jockey Kelsey Hannan's courageous words after a near fatal fall from her horse.
Kelsey Hannan on Savonoski, winner of the Auckland Co-Op Taxis in December 2022. Photo: Photosport
"I thought I shanked it and it was going to the left so I'm gonna give the wind the credit."
Tongan halfback Isaiya Katoa on his match-winning field goal against the Kiwis.
Tonga XIII team photo with the Challenge Trophy cup. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport
"Maybe I'll look after some pigs and chickens, maybe grow some kalo. That's the sort of life that I'm looking for, just scaling right back and keeping things simple."
David Tua on his retirement plans in Samoa.
David Tua Photo: Photosport
"These are bonus minutes for me. These are like those free tokens you get at the arcade when you've won a few games."
Shaun Johnson on answering an SOS for the Kiwis to come out of retirement.
Warriors player Shaun Johnson and family walks out for his last game. Warriors v Bulldogs. NRL Rugby League. Go Media Mt Smart Stadium. Photo: Photosport
"Sorry about my ugly tears, but I don't care."
Waikato skipper Chelsea Semple after winning the Farah Palmer Cup.
Waikato were crowned Farah Palmer Cup champions in Hamilton. Photo: Photosport
"I'm a nice guy, I promise."
Breakers American import Freddie Gillespie after being suspended for headbutting an opposition player.
Freddie Gillespie Photo: Photosport / Brett Phibbs
"I text him saying good luck bro and he replied saying 'I'm not your bro."'
Charnze Nicoll Klokstad on his exchange with Warriors teammate Mitch Barnett ahead of the Kiwis vs Kangaroos test.
New Zealand's Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is tackled by Australia's Valentine Holmes during the 2021 rugby league World Cup men's semi-final match between Australia and New Zealand at the Elland Road stadium in Leeds, 2022. Photo: OLI SCARFF / AFP
"I'm a man. I can cry and whoop your ass at the same time."
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya got emotional ahead of his title fight with Dricus Du Plessis.
South Africa's Dricuc Du Plessis (L) and New Zealand's Israel Adesanya fight in their men's middleweight division event of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 305 at the Perth Arena in Perth on 18 August 2024. Photo: COLIN MURTY / AFP
"If I missed that one, I was giving the tee away."
Chanel Harris-Tavita after ending his horror run of goal-kicking form.
Chanel Harris-Tavita of the Warriors kicks. One NZ Warriors v Wests Tigers, round 21 NRL Telstra Premiership Rugby League match at Go Media Stadium, Mt Smart, Auckland, New Zealand on Friday 26 July 2024. Photo credit: NRL Photos Photo: Photosport
"I just blend right in, everyone is very pretty, I'm very pretty, so I just fit the mould."
Kiwi boxer Andrei Mikhailovich [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/521991/andrei-mikhailovich-from-russian-orphanage-to-world-title-shot
on the Las Vegas] locals.
Andrei Mikhailovich at SkyCity Friday Night Fights 2 boxing event, SkyCity, Auckland. 9 April 2021. Photo: Photosport
"If you have any hesitation, it's going to end in a not so good outcome. It can make or break you."
Kiwi surfer Saffi Vette on Tahiti's legendary 'Wave of Skulls' ahead of the Olympics.
Gisborne's Saffi Vette wins the Open Women's Division final at the Surfing New Zealand National Championships 2021. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"I'm coming Eli Scott, you better watch it, you ain't seen this Māori girl. I'm coming to collect all those damn belts!"
Boxer Mea Motu sends a stark warning to her British bantamweight rival.
Mea motu at the Wahine Toa II fight week press conference. Photo: Photosport
"It's scary every time."
Kiwi cliff diver Braden Rumpit reminds us that athletes are in fact human.
Kiwi cliff diver Braden Rumpitt will enter the Auckland event as a wildcard. Photo: Red Bull
"Expect to smell a bit of rubber and a bit of metal. The sound is incredible. There's nothing like hearing a couple of chairs go 'smack' together."
Kiwi wheelchair rugby league player Dan Scott ahead of the inaugural trans-Tasman series.
The New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby League training at West Auckland. Photo: Jonty Dine
"He's the boogeyman for everyone else, but not me. I'm the boogeyman for him."
Kiwi MMA fighter Carlos Ulberg does not fear Alex Pereira, the most feared man in the sport.
Carlos Ulberg enters the octagon before his unanimous decision over Fabio Cherant at UFC 271 in Texas Photo: Photosport
"We are easy to pick on."
Warriors coach Andrew Webster says what Warriors fans have been thinking since 1995.
Coach of the Warriors Andrew Webster speaks at the press conference. Sydney Roosters v One New Zealand Warriors. Photo: Jeremy Ng/Photosport
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