So this week saw me shift from one idea to another... I must've had three or four rewrites over the week as one theme after another presented itself. In the end, I decided to examine a trend which is crucial in sports -- the passing of dynastic eras and why a diversity of champions is beneficial for both a sport and its spectators... here's a sneak peek:

Last year I wrote at length about an Iberian invasion, as Spaniards dominated a range of sports throughout 2008. Rafael Nadal had surpassed Roger Federer to take the top spot in the world of men's tennis. The Spanish national soccer team went undefeated through the year, taking the Euro 2008 championship in the process over World Cup holder Italy. And Carlos Sastre held off Cadel Evans to win the Tour de France, following compatriots Oscar Pereiro and Alberto Contador as champion to keep the streak alive in cycling's showcase event. 

The way this week is going, it's looking safer and safer to say that 2009 has not been nearly as kind to Espana as the previous campaign. But Spain's loss is every fan's gain, as it opens up the field once again to allow new heroes to emerge. Giants are falling all over the place once again... who will take their place? Will another juggernaut step into the void to take over top-dog status, or will the minnows get their chance to feast?

Come along for the ride and read on further as a slew of upsets and absences sets the stage for this week's edition of A Non-Traditional Sports Fan in America!

Bigalke is a freelance journalist who has been writing for FanNation since December 2007. An archive of Bigalke's writing can be found here. He is also the managing editor of Informative Sports and a contributing writer at Helium. Got something to say to Bigalke -- questions, comments, suggestions, derision to sling, vengeance to exact, commendations to render, or contracts to offer? You can reach Bigalke through FanMail, the comments box below or here...