Top 10 British sportspeople of the 21st century - Sir Mo Farah tops list

21 February 2024 , 20:18

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Andy Murray's Wimbledon win in 2013 topped a list of the greatest UK sporting moments of the 21st century (Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Sir Mo Farah, Sir Andy Murray, and Sir Lewis Hamilton have topped a list – of the UK's greatest sportspeople of the 21st century.

Sir Chris Hoy, and David Beckham, rounded out the top five, while other influential choices included Dame Kelly Holmes, and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill.

Meanwhile, outside of England, Gareth Bale and Alun Wyn Jones were flying the flag for Wales, voted as the greatest sportspeople of their nation. And Sir Andy Murray also topped a list of Scottish sporting greats – with his brother Jamie also appearing among the top 10.

The survey of 2,000 sports fans also revealed the up-and-comers who people believe are going to become sporting greats – with footballer Jude Bellingham, and teenage darts prodigy, Luke Littler, topping the list.

Other rising stars included Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, Arsenal right winger Bukayo Saka, and tennis champion, Emma Raducanu.

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The research was commissioned by CopyBet.com, which has also created a quiz for sports fans to test their knowledge of UK triumphs.

And the findings also revealed the top 20 greatest British sporting victories of the 21st century – with Andy Murray topping the list, thanks to his Wimbledon win in 2013.

Top 10 British sportspeople of the 21st century - Sir Mo Farah tops list

Meanwhile, Sir Mo Farah has been named the best British sportsperson of this century (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

This was followed by Jonny Wilkinson's last-minute drop goal for England against Australia, to win the 2003 World Cup, while the third spot went to The Lionesses winning the Women’s Euros in 2022.

A spokesman for the betting platform said: “The UK has a proud sporting history, and it’s always enjoyable to reflect on the moments and sportspeople we remember most fondly.

“As the study shows, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have had lots of success this century. And with Euro 2024, the Summer Olympics, and Wimbledon on the horizon, and the Six Nations underway, 2024 will surely see more memorable sporting moments.”

It also emerged 87% believe that UK sporting successes boost the morale of the nation – with 65% of the opinion we are in “desperate” need of another sporting triumph or two.

And no doubt Brits would be delighted to see anything close to Emma Raducanu winning the US Open title in 2021, or Ben Stokes ’ Ashes-saving 135 not out at Headingly, in 2019.

These moments are joined in the top 20 by England winning the Ashes in 2005, and Sir Chris Hoy's triple gold in track cycling, at the 2008 Olympics.

Dame Kelly Holmes' double gold at the 2004 Olympics, in the 800m and 1500m, and Paula Radcliffe’s marathon world record in 2003, also made the cut.

Meanwhile, David Beckham's last-minute free kick against Greece in 2001, to secure England's qualification for the 2002 World Cup, also appeared on the list of sporting triumphs.

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The study, carried out through OnePoll, found that six in 10 believe the current generation of UK sportspeople holds up to those from past eras. And as such, 64% are optimistic about the UK’s sporting prospects for the decade ahead.

The spokesman for CopyBet.com added: “Recent successes will surely inspire the next generation of athletes to match, or better, past achievements. The future is looking bright for the UK – no doubt sports fans will be excited to see what happens next.”

TOP 20 UK SPORTING MOMENTS OF THE 21st CENTURY:

Sir Andy Murray winning Wimbledon in 2013
Jonny Wilkinson's last-minute drop goal for England against Australia, to win the 2003 World Cup
The Lionesses winning the Women's Euros in 2022
Leicester City winning the Premier League in 2015/16
Sir Mo Farah's double gold at the 2012 Olympics, in the 5,000m and 10,000m
Sir Steve Redgrave winning his fifth consecutive Olympic rowing gold in 2000
“The Miracle of Istanbul” – Liverpool’s comeback from 3-0 down, to win the Champions League against AC Milan in 2005
England winning The Ashes in 2005
England's Cricket ODI World Cup win in 2019
David Beckham's last-minute free kick against Greece in 2001, to secure England's qualification for the 2002 World Cup
Manchester City FC men's team completing a historic treble in 2023 (winning the FA Cup, Premier League, and Champions League)
Sir Chris Hoy's triple gold at the 2008 Olympics in track cycling
Sir Lewis Hamilton winning his seventh Formula 1 championship in 2021
Emma Raducanu winning the US Open title in 2021
Dame Kelly Holmes' double gold at the 2004 Olympics, for the 800m and 1500m races
Ben Stokes' Ashes-saving 135 not out at Headingley in 2019
Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill's heptathlon gold at the 2012 Olympics
Sir Bradley Wiggins' Tour de France victory in 2012
Ronnie O'Sullivan winning his seventh snooker World Championship in 2022
Paula Radcliffe's marathon world record in 2003