
The confession —
Lance Armstrong, the seven time Tour de France winner, revealed he had used an array of performance enhancing drugs to win the event. Armstrong admitted using testosterone and human growth hormone, as well as EPO -- a hormone naturally produced by human kidneys to stimulate red blood cell production.

Pistorius charge —
In August 2013, the world was left stunned by the news that Oscar Pistorius had been charged with premeditated murder in the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The ''Blade Runner" will go on trial in March 2014 in his native South Africa.
Magic Murray —
Andy Murray's triumph at Wimbledon ended a 77-year wait for a British male champion. Scotsman Murray, who had lost in the final 12 months earlier, defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets following a titanic tussle.

Ferguson finale —
Alex Ferguson stepped down as manager of Manchester United following over two decades in charge. Ferguson signed off by winning the Premier League title -- just one of 38 trophies he won during his time at Old Trafford.

Brilliant Bayern —
After losing out in its home stadium to Chelsea in the 2012 final, Bayern finally got its hands on the European Champions League trophy. The German side won the domestic double too in a season which climaxed with victory over German rivals Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Coach Jupp Heynckes left Bayern at the end of the season to be replaced by former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola.

Comeback of all comebacks —
Oracle Team USA skippered by James Spithill celebrated a remarkable victory in September after coming from 8-1 down to defeat Emirates Team New Zealand. Oracle, which defeated the Swiss team Alinghi three years ago, held onto its title when it seemed certain to suffer one of the most humiliating defeats the America's Cup had ever seen.
Farewell Little Master —
Sachin Tendulkar finally waved goodbye to his adoring cricket fans following a stellar international career which lasted 24 years and one day. The Indian batsman, nicknamed "The Little Master" is considered one of the finest players of all time.

Number one —
Sebastian Vettel claimed a fourth successive Formula One drivers' title following another stunning season. The German, who won the final nine races of the season to take his tally to 13 overall, is still only 26.

Home at last —
Football player Zahir Belounis is embraced by his mother as he arrives from Qatar at the French Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport on November 28, 2013. The French-Algerian footballer, 33, had been unable to leave Qatar since June 2012, after he filed a complaint against his club Al-Jaish over a payment dispute.

Solheim success —
Europe's women triumphed on U.S. soil for the very first time to claim victory in the Solheim Cup. The visiting team won 18-10 thanks to a Swedish contingent which included Caroline Hedwall, Annika Sorenstam, Liselotte Neumann, Carin Koch and Anna Nordqvist.