In a year that rocked America’s foundations and challenged its ideals, sports continued to be a source of joy and often a relief from the divisive political landscape.

But if nothing else, 2017 will be characterised as the year when the ‘stick to sports’ narrative officially died as athletes from different backgrounds used their lofty platforms more than ever to take a stand for what they believe in.

On the field, court and ice, there were performances, games and moments that took our collective breath away and pushed the boundaries of drama.

While some familiar faces furthered their legend, a new crop of young and exciting athletes came to the fore and proved that the future is bright.

Here is our recap of a memorable year in the world of US sports, which will be difficult to top going forward.

Athletes of the year

Tom Brady

Father Time is undefeated, but he may be coming across his most formidable opponent yet in Tom Brady.

In the same year the New England Patriots quarterback has turned 40, he’s captured a record fifth Super Bowl ring and put together an MVP-worthy campaign while once again powering one of the best teams in the league.

There’s little reason to believe one of the greatest athletes of all-time will decline anytime soon.

Jose Altuve

Big things can come in small packages and few are a better example of that than Jose Altuve. The diminutive slugger, standing at just 5-foot-6, dominated the baseball world this year by powering the Houston Astros to a World Series title and earning American League Most Valuable Player honours.

LeBron James

The king stays the king, even in another year where the Larry O’Brien trophy eluded him. LeBron couldn’t overcome the daunting Golden State Warriors in the Finals, but his greatness and reputation remains in tact.

Now, at the age of 32, he’s having arguably his most impressive statistical season yet.

Sidney Crosby

Sid the Kid is no longer a phenom in his 20s, but his impact on the game hasn’t diminished as he’s aged.

His leadership was once again on display as the Pittsburgh Penguins became the first team since 1998 to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, with Crosby earning a second Conn Smythe Trophy.

Moments of the year

World Series, Game 5

From start to finish, there was perhaps no single game more entertaining this year than the instant classic that was Game 5 of the World Series.

The Astros and Dodgers combined for seven home runs, while eventual champions Houston erased a deficit three different times en route to pulling out a 13-12 extra-innings win on Alex Bregman’s walk-off hit. What more could you ask for?

College Football Playoff National Championship

Regardless of how far Deshaun Watson goes in the NFL – and early signs in Houston indicate it could be far – his heroics to beat a dominant Alabama team that hadn’t lost in 26 games to win the National Championship will always live on.

Super Bowl LI

Arguably the greatest Super Bowl ever played took place more than 10 months ago, but no one will forget what transpired – or how – anytime soon.

In a game that had it all – outstanding performances, sensational plays and scintillating drama – the jaw-dropping catch by Julian Edelman in the New England Patriots’ 25-point fightback stands out.

A phenomenal moment in a phenomenal game.

NBA Finals, Kevin Durant’s 3 in Game 3

There was a moment when it appeared Cleveland might make a series out of the NBA Finals. Kevin Durant had other ideas, however.

His clutch 3-pointer in the final minute of Game 3 gave Golden State an insurmountable lead and all but sealed a title.

Storylines of the year

Big Baller Brand takes over

Lonzo Ball may not be lighting the NBA world on fire in his rookie season, but there’s been no shortage of attention paid to him and his family, thanks to his father.

The brash LaVar certainly talks the talk, whether it’s pumping up Lonzo or either of his other two sons, and like it or not, we’ve tuned in for the show.

NBA’s wildest offseason

T he NBA has truly become a 365-day sport, with the drama not stopping when the season comes to a close.

Unpredictable player movement has made the summer just as fun as the actual games and in this past offseason, it was taken to another level as seven 2017 All-Stars switched teams.

National anthem protests divide NFL

Colin Kaepernick hasn’t been on NFL sidelines this season, but the movement he started by kneeling during the national anthem in protest spread like wildfire among his peers.

Players across the league took a stand by taking a knee, which caught the attention of American president Donald Trump, who harshly criticised the gesture. Rather than back down, players continued to proudly express their beliefs.

Sports world helps heal wounds of Hurricane Harvey

When tragedy struck Houston with the devastating Hurricane Harvey, the damage done was difficult to fathom and harder to mend.

But as the sporting world often does, it came together in the wake of disaster as local teams and athletes gave their time, money and energy to restoring the city, with Houston Texans star J.J. Watt at the forefront by raising more than $37 million for those in need.