First-time Title Winners in '07

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Oct 5, 2007

First-time Title Winners in '07

Peyton Manning

The Colts quarterback cemented his status as one of the game's best with Indianapolis' 29-17 win over the Chicago Bears in Manning's first Super Bowl appearance. But Manning isn't alone in achieving first-time glory in 2007. Here are some others.

Kelly Pavlik

When Kelly Pavlik got up from a second-round knockdown on Sept. 29 and went on to defeat Jermain Taylor in seven rounds, he became the new WBC world middleweight champion.

Michael Finley

It took 12 hard seasons, but Michael Finley finally earned his first NBA title ring as the San Antonio Spurs disposed of Cleveland in four games.

Jean Sebastien-Giguere

The Anaheim goalie was among the most notable of this year's first-time Stanley Cup winners as he helped the Ducks put away Ottawa in a best-of-seven series that went only five games.

Diana Taurasi

The Phoenix Mercury's potent 1-2 punch won the first WNBA title of their career in a back-and-forth five-game series against the Detroit Shock.

Shawn Johnson

The 15-year-old gymnast from Iowa became only the fourth American woman to win the all-around title at the World Championships. She followed in the footsteps of Shannon Miller, Chellsie Memmel and Kim Zmeskal.

Bernard Lagat

A naturalized U.S. citizen from Kenya, Lagat became the third man in history to win the 1,500/5,000 double at a major international championships, joining Paavo Nurmi (1924 Olympics) and Hicham El Guerrouj (2004 Olympics). Lagat pulled off his double at the World Championships in Japan.

Brandt Snedeker

An up-and-comer on the PGA tour, the 26-year-old captured his first victory by winning the Wyndham Championship in August. He has five Top 10 finishes this year and is one of five rookies in history to eclipse the $2 million mark in earnings on the Tour.

Lewis Hamilton

At the tender age of 22, Hamilton won his first Formula 1 race in only his sixth Grand Prix start. All told, the rookie has four victories in 2007 and is atop the driver standings with two races remaining.<br><br>E-mail us at siwriters@simail.com to let us know who would you add to the list.