Icon named most inspirational British sports activities star – and it isn’t David Beckham
Following a week of sporting triumph as Team GB break records at the Winter Olympics, a poll of 2,000 adults saw tennis star Andy Murray – the first British Wimbledon men’s champion since 1936 – take the top spot
David Beckham was beaten to top spot(Image: Getty Images)
Andy Murray has been named the most inspirational British sports star of the 21st century, ahead of Lewis Hamilton and David Beckham.
Following a week of sporting triumph as Team GB break records at the Winter Olympics, a poll of 2,000 adults saw tennis star Murray – the first British Wimbledon men’s champion since 1936 – take the top spot.
He was followed by Chris Hoy and Mo Farah, with F1 star Lewis Hamilton and footballer David Beckham rounding the top five.
Jessica Ennis-Hill, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane were also ranked highly for their standout achievements this century, while darts sensation Luke Littler was singled out for the remarkable impact he has had on the sport in recent years.
It also emerged setting a good example, humility and a positive attitude were identified as the key qualities that make a sports star inspirational, according to the research commissioned by JustGiving.
Others pointed to exceptional sporting achievements and charity work, which ranked higher than the amount of goals scored.
In fact, athletes who champion good causes have inspired 30% of Brits to take part in a sporting charity fundraiser themselves.
Pascale Harvie, president and general manager of the charitable fundraising platform, which saw £235 million raised through sporting and fitness events in 2025, a 6% year-on-year increase, said: “Sports stars have a unique ability to inspire people in all sorts of ways.
“Whether that’s through moments of brilliance on the biggest stages or the values they demonstrate away from competition.
“Their achievements can motivate fans to push their own limits, try something new or simply believe that big goals are possible.
“What’s especially powerful is when that inspiration turns into action beyond sport itself.
“One of the most positive impacts we’ve seen these incredible British athletes have is encouraging more people to get involved in fundraising and support causes that matter to them, with almost a third of Brits being inspired into action by their charitable work.”
The research revealed that the Lionesses, Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics and Leicester City’s Premier League win were voted the most inspiring team achievements of the era.
While 41% of those polled said watching sporting greatness has inspired them to become more active, 84% added that simply watching sport has made them want to give it a go.
A third were motivated by the personal challenge and 19% wanted to develop their own skills after watching a memorable sporting moment.
But as a big year of sport is already underway, the World Cup, Wimbledon and the Winter Olympics were named as the events fans are most excited about in 2026.
These are followed by the Six Nations, the British Grand Prix and the Commonwealth Games, according to the OnePoll survey.
TOP 20 MOST INSPIRATIONAL BRITISH SPORTS STARS OF THE 21ST CENTURY
1. Andy Murray
2. Chris Hoy
3. Mo Farah
4. Lewis Hamilton
5. David Beckham
6. Jessica Ennis-Hill
7. Marcus Rashford
8. Harry Kane
9. Tom Daley
10. Luke Littler
11. Kelly Holmes
12. Ellie Simmonds
13. Tanni Grey-Thompson
14. Freddie Flintoff
15. Tyson Fury
16. Jonny Wilkinson
17. Anthony Joshua
18. Ronnie O’Sullivan
19. Paula Radcliffe
20. Rory McIlroy
TOP 10 MOST INSPIRATIONAL CLUB SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE 21ST CENTURY
1. England Women (the Lionesses) winning the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022
2. Team GB’s record medal haul at the London 2012 Olympic Games
3. Leicester City winning the Premier League in 2016
4. England Women reaching the Women’s World Cup final in 2023
5. England winning the Rugby World Cup in 2003
6. Great Britain topping the medal table at the London 2012 Paralympic Games
7. England reaching the final of the UEFA Men’s Euro 2020 and 2024
8. Arsenal going an entire Premier League season unbeaten (2003-04)
9. England Men winning the Cricket World Cup in 2019
10. Manchester United winning the UEFA Champions League (2008)
