When an all-conquering side hoists a major trophy, or a supreme athlete shows that uncanny feel for the big occasion to surge towards victory, fans and experts celebrate and cherish those moments. However, sport isn't just about champions. Instead, if we look beyond all those podium finishes, flashlights and glamour, you will find athletes who failed in their endeavour to attain the summit.
2017 - YEAR IN REVIEW
One step forward, several back for Windies in 2017
Shai Hope scored two memorable hundreds as the Windies scripted their first Test win in England in 17 years. © Getty
Even the greatest of athletes have faced shattering defeats, only to rebound from the tunnel of doom and gloom to reach the pinnacle. The greatest virtue a mind-numbing loss is to build on the lessons from such a defeat and use it as a motivating tool to climb the ladder of success. West Indies, once known for their Calypso brand of cricket, is one such side that has been in the midst of a string of losses for over two decades.
However, after suffering a series of losses, the Caribbean side showed a few encouraging signs during the year 2017. Under Stuart Law, the head coach, and Jason Holder, the captain, they won a Test against Pakistan at home and engineered a famous come-from-behind victory at Leeds against England. Despite ending 2017 with a slew of losses across formats in New Zealand, it was a year where the Caribbean outfit showed glimpses of lifting themselves from a prolonged slump.
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