July was an incredible month for all manner of sports fans, delivering jaw-dropping performances and unforgettable moments from the hallowed courts of Wimbledon to the grueling climbs of the Tour de France. Athletes pushed their limits and cemented their places in history across multiple sporting feats. From top spin to top bins, we’ve compiled some of the summer’s biggest and best highlights that had everyone talking.
1. Wimbledon: Świątek’s dominance
The 2025 Wimbledon Championships saw a truly historic performance from Poland’s Iga Świątek, who delivered a flawless and brutal masterclass in the women’s singles final. Facing off against American Amanda Anisimova, Świątek needed just 57 minutes to secure her first Wimbledon title, winning with an astounding 6-0, 6-0 scoreline (colloquially referred to as a ‘double bagel’). Such a result marks the second time in the Open era that a women’s Grand Slam final ended this way, the first being Martina Navratilova’s victory in the 1983 US Open. This dominant victory is Świątek’s sixth Grand Slam title. Świątek’s performance on what is typically her least successful surface proves that her talent and determination know no bounds, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
2. Tour de France: Pogačar’s fourth yellow jersey
The 112th edition of the Tour de France culminated in a familiar sight: Tadej Pogačar on the top step of the podium in Paris, clad in the iconic and painfully elusive yellow jersey. The Slovenian sensation clinched his fourth Tour de France title this summer, adding to his pre-existing victories from 2020, 2021, and 2024. Pogačar’s unwavering performance was a testament to his tactical brilliance and relentless power. He navigated the treacherous mountain stages and time trials to secure a surprisingly comfortable lead against his long-time rival Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark, who challenged Pogačar intensely in prior years. This fourth win firmly places Pogačar among some of the most successful cyclists in the history of the sport, and at just 26 years old, many are already wondering how many more victories he will claim in the coming years.
3. The Open Championship: Scheffler’s masterclass at Royal Portrush
The ever-polarising American golf star Scottie Scheffler reaffirmed his position as the world’s number one with a confident victory at the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush, a prestigious, high-calibre course in Northern Ireland. Scheffler, who had already won a major earlier in the year, displayed an eye-catching demonstration of consistent, high-level golf, finishing with a total score of 17-under-par. The all-American top three (including Harris English and Chris Gotterup) were separated only by five strokes in total, but Scheffler’s -17 score was a comfortable four strokes clear of the second place spot on the podium. He dominated. This win marks Scheffler’s first Open Championship title and his fourth major overall. His performance throughout the week was a clinic in control and composure, showcasing why he is currently the most renowned player in the game.
4. World Aquatics Championships: Marvelous McIntosh and Marchand shine
The 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore were a showcase of the sport’s brightest young stars. Canadian Summer McIntosh was named the women’s “Swimmer of the Meet” after a phenomenal performance that saw her secure four individual gold medals and one bronze. Her championship record-breaking swims in the 200m and 400m individual medleys and the 200m butterfly highlighted her versatility and power. On the men’s side, Frenchman Léon Marchand earned “Swimmer of the Meet,” breaking a long-standing world record in the 200m individual medley and taking home two gold medals.
5. UEFA Women’s Euro 2025: The Lionesses conquer Europe again
In a stunning display of resilience, the Lionesses of England clinched the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Women’s Euro 2025 title, defeating Spain in a tense penalty shootout. The final, held at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, ended 1-1 after extra time. Spain took an early lead with a goal from Arsenal striker Mariona Caldentey in the 25th minute, but England’s Alessia Russo, also an Arsenal star, equalized the game in the 57th minute, forcing the match into extra time. The game was ultimately decided by penalties, where Chelsea and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two crucial saves for the Lionesses. Yet another Arsenal player, Chloe Kelly, England’s hero of the 2022 Euro final, scored the decisive spot kick to secure a 3-1 victory in the shootout. This win marks the second consecutive European title for the Lionesses, who have cemented their place as one of the most dominant forces in women’s football.
Looking back, it has been an incredible summer for world sports. From a historic “double bagel” at Wimbledon to a fourth Tour de France title, July was especially packed with incredible sporting achievements. These moments of skill and determination will be remembered as we head into what we’re sure will be a fall season to remember across McGill varsity, provincial, and world sports: Stay tuned!
