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HERE'S my New Year resolution: I shall refrain from calling 2009 anti-climactic.
It is a mantra I will repeat ad nauseam, because 2008 was a year for sports that is unlikely to be topped soon.
It was filled with awesome feats (Michael Phelps' eight golds and Usain Bolt's two sprint records at the Olympics),
thrilling finales (Rafael Nadal at the Wimbledon final, Lewis Hamilton at the Brazilian Grand Prix) and outstanding
achievements (Spain's Euro triumph and Singapore's first Olympic silver in 48 years).
Phew! To ask 2009 to emulate 2008 is impossible - especially since there will be no Olympics and no Euro.
So how will sports nuts nurse their hangovers this year?
Well, here are a few other New Year resolutions that could work: "I shall not view football as more important than life and death."
This one is suitable for Liverpool fans, especially since their beloved club will be under huge pressure to maintain their Barclays Premier League lead and win their first English title in 19 years.
But really, football fans, all of you should take it less seriously.
Yes, the sport evokes plenty of passion and devotion, but it is not worth hurting your health - or worse still, hurting others - over the sport.
"I shall take an interest in local sports for a change."
To those who watch only foreign sports events - the BPL, the PGA Tour, the NBA, the Monaco F1 Grand Prix - it's time to get out of your house and take notice of the burgeoning local sports scene.
For starters, be at marquee events like the Singapore F1 Grand Prix (arguably more dazzling than Monaco's), or golf's Singapore Open (great course, even better golfers).
Then, support local athletes at the inaugural Asian Youth Games. You can also cheer for them when they head to Laos for December's SEA Games.
Who knows, you may even be enthralled enough to seek out the next S-League football match or the next Singapore Slingers basketball game.
"I shall learn a new sport."
Nothing beats the thrill of actually playing a sport. Better still, playing a new sport.
Pick up golf, learn to cycle, ask around about how to play cricket - and you may find yourself with completely refreshing perspectives on the sport.
That sure beats whining about the lack of sports extravaganzas on television.
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