Everyone loves a winner and in 2009 there were was plenty to celebrate? this year will no doubt go down as one of the most memorable. The astonishing exploits of Usain Bolt, who left the mere mortals in awe, and the dominance of the Springboks, who swept all before them, is proof of this.

While everybody does indeed love a winner, there is nothing sports fans enjoy more than a tremendous comeback. Combine the two and it makes for a truly magnificent spectacle that will live long in the memory.

Here are the best sporting comebacks of 2009?

Roger Federer

The Swiss master began the year in tears; he had lost his beloved Wimbledon title, he had lost his ranking as the world number one and he had been crushed in the year's first grand slam ? the Australian Open ? by arch-rival Rafael Nadal. Many felt that Federer's stranglehold of the game was slipping. Instead of succumbing to the rise of his opponent and the increasing scrutiny, Federer regrouped and came back better than ever.

The turning point came during the French Open when rival Nadal shockingly crashed out of the tournament, which paved the way for Federer to capture the crown that had agonizingly eluded him for so long. He then followed up his maiden French triumph with the Wimbledon title, edging Andy Roddick in an epic final. In the process, he claimed his 15th grand slam title becoming the most decorated player in the history of tennis (eclipsing Pete Sampras' record of 14).

Federer made his fourth grand slam final of the year at Flushing Meadows, but lost the US Open to Juan Martin Del Potro. Despite the end of year blip, Federer proved the skeptics wrong and cemented his place as the greatest of all time.

Lance Armstrong

Having been the biggest name in cycling for over a decade, Lance Armstrong left the sport as a record seven-time Tour de France champion and arguably the greatest rider in the history. On the 9 September 2008, Armstrong stunned the world by announcing his return to professional cycling with the prime objective of competing in the 2009 Tour de France.

Many questioned if the 38-year-old still had what it took to compete at the highest level and whether he would damage his reputation. The concern was certainly justifiable when you consider some of sport?s most disastrous comebacks? Mike Tyson and Michael Jordan immediately spring to mind.

Armstrong proved the doubters wrong and had a highly impressive Tour de France, finishing third overall for team Astana, 5 minutes and 24 seconds behind teammate and rival Alberto Contador. Some believe that Armstrong could have made a stronger push for the yellow jersey; instead he cooled his assault for the benefit of the team. This is a clear indication of the true professional he remains.

Jonny Wilkinson

In the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, England's superstar flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson scored a last-minute drop-goal at the Telstra Stadium to win the Webb Ellis trophy. Wilko was on top of the world, and rightly so. His boot had taken England to the summit of world rugby and he seemed destined for more great things in the future.

Fast forward to the beginning of 2009 and Wilko's career has been severely disrupted by injuries, with his knee ligaments, arm, shoulder and kidney the victims. Despite suffering years of successive injuries, the number ten holds the record for the highest international point-scorer of all time. However, you can't help but feel that he could have achieved even greater feats had he remained injury-free.

Following a return to form and a sustained period without significant injury, Wilko got the call-up to the England squad ? after a successful spell with French outfit Toulon ? for the year-end tests against the southern hemisphere giants. Despite the English losing to Australia and New Zealand, Wilkinson impressed in every match of the tour, with his kicking game as reliable as ever, proving he is still one of the best.

Kim Clijsters

Kim Clijsters surprised the world of tennis 6 May 2007 by announcing her retirement from the women's game. The Belgian, a former world number one, cited injuries and mental fatigue as the reasons for her abrupt declaration.

After her 27-month hiatus, Clijsters told the world?s press on 26 March 2009 that she would return to the court. The Belgian would go on to participate in Cincinnati and Toronto tournaments. On the back of these two tournaments, Clijsters received a wildcard to play at the U.S. Open. Although there was a substantial amount of hype surrounding her return, she was never really considered as a favourite for the grand slam so early into her comeback.

Clijsters?s passage to the final of the coveted grand slam was far from easy; she would go on to face siblings Venus Williams ? who she disposed of in the fourth round ? and Serena Williams ? who she dumped out of the competition in the semifinals. This set up a final against rising star Caroline Wozniacki. The Belgian defeated Wozniacki in straight sets to complete a remarkable fairytale finish.

For her amazing efforts, Kim Clijsters wins our ?Comeback of the Year? award.