Andy Murray Named Britain's Most Inspirational Sports Star of the 21st Century
A comprehensive new survey has declared tennis great Andy Murray as Britain's most inspirational sports star of the 21st century. The poll, conducted with 2,000 adults, placed the three-time Grand Slam champion ahead of Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton and football icon David Beckham in the rankings.
Top Athletes and Qualities That Inspire the Nation
Following a triumphant week for British sport, including Team GB's gold medal success at the Winter Olympics, Murray's achievement as Britain's first Wimbledon men's champion since 1936 resonated strongly with respondents. Close behind Murray were cycling hero Sir Chris Hoy and long-distance runner Sir Mo Farah, with Hamilton and Beckham rounding out the top five.
The research, commissioned by charitable fundraising platform JustGiving, identified key qualities that make sports stars inspirational. Setting a good example (43%), demonstrating humility (40%), and maintaining a positive attitude (38%) emerged as the most valued traits. Exceptional sporting achievements (36%) and charity work (26%) also ranked highly, surpassing the importance of goals scored (24%).
Charitable Impact and Public Motivation
Notably, athletes who champion good causes have inspired 30% of Britons to participate in sporting charity fundraisers themselves. Pascale Harvie, president and general manager of JustGiving, highlighted the significant role sports stars play in motivating public action.
"Sports stars have a unique ability to inspire people in all sorts of ways," Harvie stated. "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."
The platform witnessed £235 million raised through sporting and fitness events in 2025 alone, marking a 6% year-on-year increase. Harvie emphasized the powerful ripple effect of athletic inspiration, particularly when it translates into charitable action beyond sport.
Collective Achievements and Future Trends
The study also recognized collective sporting accomplishments as highly inspirational. The Lionesses' Euro 2022 victory, Team GB's performance at the London 2012 Olympics, and Leicester City's remarkable Premier League triumph were deemed the most inspiring team achievements of recent times.
With 41% of respondents reporting that witnessing sporting excellence has encouraged them to become more physically active, and 84% stating that watching sport has motivated them to try it themselves, the influence of athletes extends far beyond entertainment. A third of participants were driven by personal challenge, while 19% sought to develop their skills after memorable sporting moments.
Looking ahead to a packed sporting calendar in 2026, including the Winter Olympics and the World Cup, more than a quarter (26%) of Britons anticipate being encouraged to donate or fundraise following these major events.
Fundraising Preferences and Athletic Recognition
JustGiving's data reveals that running is by far the most popular activity for fundraising, followed by walks and treks, then cycling. Half marathons are the most common distance undertaken, while full marathons generate the highest donation totals.
The survey's top 20 list of inspirational British sports stars includes notable names such as Jessica Ennis-Hill, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, and darts prodigy Luke Littler, who earned recognition for his transformative impact on the sport. Other luminaries featured are Tom Daley, Kelly Holmes, Ellie Simmonds, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Freddie Flintoff, Tyson Fury, Jonny Wilkinson, Anthony Joshua, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Paula Radcliffe, and Rory McIlroy.
Harvie concluded optimistically: "2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for sport, packed with iconic tournaments and moments that capture the world's attention. If the trends we have seen in the last couple of years continue, it could well be an equally big year for sports-related fundraising efforts, with people all over the country and beyond getting inspiration from established and emerging stars."
