Year in review: The athletes who dominated in 2021

Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to an NBA Title and took the world by storm in the process with his great play and personality. The Greek Freak was the Finals MVP, capping off a great year in which he averaged 28.1 points and 11.0 rebounds during the regular season.

The No. 1 ranked female tennis player in the world, Barty had a terrific 2021 campaign winning Wimbledon. That adds to her resume after winning the French Open in 2019.

Brady led the Bucs to a Super Bowl in his first season with the team and appears to be the favorite to win the NFL MVP in 2021. He continues to accomplish one unbelievable feat after another at age 44.

The much-hyped Bueckers backed the hype with an incredible freshman season at UConn. She won the Naismith and Wooden Awards, averaging 20.0 points and shooting 46% from three.

Djokovich continues to be the No. 1 ranked men's tennis player in the world. He had arguably the best year of his career in 2021, winning the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon.

Dressell won two golds as a relay participant in the 2016 Olympic Games, but he earned solo earners in Tokyo. In addition to two more relay golds, he won gold in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, and 100-meter butterfly.

Durant's heroics led Team USA to gold at the Tokyo Olympics, and he also returned from injury to dominate for the Nets. He averaged 26.9 points in 2020-21 and led the league in points per game early in the 2021-22 season.

Embiid finished second in MVP voting with a healthy 2020-21 season, averaging 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds. The gregarious center has made four consecutive All-Star Games.

Fleury was able to win the Vezina Trophy as the top goalie in the NHL last season, standing strong with only 1.98 goals against in 36 games. Following the 2020-21 season, he was traded to the Blackhawks.

Jokic was the NBA MVP in 2020-21 with a breakout season in Denver. He averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, and has continued a similar pace early in the 2021-22 season.

Garza won the Naismith and Wooden Awards as the top player in men's college basketball last season. His incredible senior season included 24.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.

Guerrero was a top prospect before Toronto promoted him in 2019, but he didn't really find his footing in the bigs until last season. He finished second in the AL MVP voting after leading the league in home runs (48), on-base percentage (.401), and slugging percentage (.601).

Harper won his second career MVP, leading the Phillies offense in 2021. He led the NL in doubles, slugging, and OPS, finishing the year hitting .309-35-84 with a 1.044 OPS.

Hutchinson is in the running for the Heisman Trophy after his brilliant 2021 season. He recorded 58 tackles and 14 sacks for the College Football Playoff-bound Wolverines.

Jones won WNBA MVP after a phenomenal season, leading the league in rebounds per game (11.2) while also averaging a career-high 19.4 points per game. She's become one of the faces of the league with three All-Star appearances.

Kupp was a great wideout before 2021, but he's taken his game to new heights with Matthew Stafford at quarterback. Through Week 13, Kupp led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

McDavid continues to be one of the faces of the NHL, winning his second Hart Trophy and finishing top five in the voting for the fifth consecutive season. He led the league in points and assists.

Messi is in the conversation as the greatest soccer player ever after winning his seventh Dallon d'Or as the best player in the world. He had a great final season for Barcelona before signing with Paris Saint-Germain and also helped Argentina win the 2021 Copa America.

An ankle injury will likely prevent Murray from winning NFL MVP, but he's had quite the year nonetheless. Murray is 8-1 as a starter through Week 13, leading the NFL in completing percentage, passing yards per attempt, and Quarterback Rating while also continuing to be a threat as a runner.

Ohtani showed flashes of a good two-way player before last season but was finally able to put it all together last season. He produced one of the greatest seasons in MLB history, hitting .257-46-100 with 26 steals and a .965 OPS as the Angels designated hitter, while also going 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA in 23 starts on the mound.

Perez had one of the best seasons by a catcher in recent memory. He led the AL with 48 home runs and 121 RBI, making his seventh career All-Star appearance as he builds his Hall of Fame resume.

Poirer has become one of the most recognizable fighters in UFC after defeating Conor McGregor twice this year. He was ranked as the No. 5 UFC men's fighter in the world in early December.

Rahm is ranked as the top men's golfer in the world after another spectacular season. He won the U.S. Open and finished third at The Open Championship, helping him win PGA Player of the Year.

Taylor has become an elite player in his second NFL season, leading the league in rushing, yards from scrimmage, and touchdowns. He's helped keep the Colts in the playoff hunt after a slow start.

The likely 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, Young had an incredible first year as Alabama's starting quarterback. He threw for 4,322 yards and 43 touchdowns prior to the College Football Playoff.