LOOK: 2021 - the best sporting pictures of the year

From F1 and golfing drama to an eerily empty Olympic Games, 2021 certainly threw up some memorable moments. Here are a few of the year's best images. Stephen Kissa cuts a lonely figure during the men's 10,000m final in an empty Olympic Stadium during the delayed and spectator-free Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

An England 'fan' during the riots ahead of the Euro 2020 final against Italy in London

Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton narrowly avoids serious injury as Red Bull's Dutch driver Max Verstappen's rear wheel drives over his cockpit during the Italian Formula One Grand Prix in Monza on September 12

Riders during the 118th edition of the Paris-Roubaix one-day classic cycling race in northern France on October 3

Argentina's Lionel Messi is thrown into the air by teammates after winning the Copa America final against Brazil at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro

A butterfly lands on Naomi Osaka's face during a match against Tunisia's Ons Jabeur at the Australian Open on February 12

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic throws his racket at the ball after falling during the French Open in Paris

French skipper Jeremie Beyou sails his Imoca 60 monohull 'Charal' a few nautical miles before crossing the finish line in the Vendee Globe round-the-world solo sailing race

Australia celebrate winning the T20 World Cup, defeating New Zealand in the final in Dubai

Rory McIlroy emerges from the scorer's hut at the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. The Northern Irishman claimed his shirt simply fell apart as he pulled as the collar, but that did not stop rumours flying of a rage following his final-round meltdown that allowed Collin Morikawa to take the title.

American gymnast Simone Biles during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She withdrew from four finals while battling mental issues, but overcame the 'twisties' to take bronze in balance beam

Fans pack in to Dubai International Stadium to watch an Indian Premier League match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad