What would have happened if?

Some top athletes and fans take this question with them from the old year into the new.

Because she stimulates the imagination to transform an unhappy moment.

For example, what would have happened if Manuel Neuer had been able to ski?

We would have passed a summer theater in this lukewarm winter.

Or just think of Cristiano Ronaldo.

At the World Cup, he jumped a hair's breadth past a ball on the way into the goal.

A hit from him might have inspired the star to bloom in autumn.

Instead, the image of Ronaldo remained in a pathetic attempt to claim the goal.

Now he's adding Saudi dollars to his bankroll as an Al Nassr FC exhibit.

The question of space on his account may be as sensible as that of the finiteness of the internet.

At some point it has to be full!

In terms of balancing give and take, it can at least be stated that Ronaldo's win is accompanied by a huge loss.

Of respect.

You have to pay for everything.

The perfect show must go on

The course of some stories could have changed in 2022.

If the masters of ski jumping had used their sovereignty in the air to organize a tour for the women.

At least there is one chance left from 2022: everything can get better.

This is the hope of sport in Ukraine.

What a blessing that would have been if Putin had renounced bombs, rockets, terror!

180 to 200 Ukrainian athletes are still breathing, have wishes in life, dreams.

And the world shouldn't have to watch as the International Olympic Committee tries to reopen arenas to Russians as potential opponents of Ukrainian athletes.

Rarely has the notion of proxy war in the stadium been more abhorrent.

But the perfect "show must go on" at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

There will be no stopping;

nor when trying to squeeze the football until players run out of air.

This editorial team will report from all perspectives on the central question of how sport is organized and for whose benefit.

About big and small competitions, about the resistance against power systems, about the power of the athletes to challenge a regime with their clothing ideas.

You will also read about the strength that can arise from a mishap, from a dispute, from a tragedy, no matter how banal it may seem in comparison.

If it weren't for Putin's war, the Russian Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin would not have been fired so quickly.

Like last year, Mick Schumacher would have won the duel by far and would still be a regular driver – in a weak team.

As a test driver for Mercedes, the best racing team, he will learn again.

That could be his luck.

The water polo player, who described her misfortune to the FAZ in 2022 in a typical power structure of the sport, has found it.

The desperation after a secret liaison with a player who was her coach and protected son of the club's patriarch is over.

When she announced that, hardly anyone wanted to know anything about her.

She withdrew.

Now she's shining again.

The best thing that could have happened from the “story” came out: a child.

Maybe a water polo talent.