This started in the Andy Murray thread, but is worthy of its own. I'll start, top of my head; Chris Hoy, Steve Redgrave, Andy Murray, Mo Farah, Ian Botham, For me, most from the modern era, as it takes so much more nowadays to be 'elite'. Longevity has to be a factor in terms of greatness, hence the first two. Murray for getting to world No 1 when he was competing against three all time greats. In athletics, Mo's record is Unequivocal. I had to include Botham as a Roy of the Rovers esq hero in there. Apart from his all round cricket ability, and will to win, he was also one of the few modern cricketers to play professional football too. Also at a well known Scotltish golf course ( can't recall which) there was a plaque alongside a green rcognising Tony Norman as the only player to hit the green with his drive. Botham actually achieved it in a pro am competition ( I suspect with modern clubs/ player strength, it is fairly standard now). I just think he was a naturally gifted sportsman. Throw in his marathon walking (for charity) exploits. he was a naturally gifted sportsman.
Mo Farah, like Zola Budd is not British and does not qualify. Stanley Matthews, Sir Roger Bannister to replace Farah and Redgrave.
5 of ... Steve Redgrave Phil Taylor Lewis Hamilton Daley Thompson Alistair Cook Stan Matthews Steve Davies Nick Faldo Tony McCoy Ellerly Hanley Seb Coe Ian Botham Jackie Stewart Chris Hoy Billy Whitehurst Jimmy Anderson
Froome would be a contender for some I guess. Though was Wiggins more popular? Entertainment and memorablity have to be factors. Sport isn't a mathematical objective thing where you count the years (longevity) and the trophies and say everyone has to agree that so and so was the best.
Barry Sheen (even though I thought he was a ****) Carl Fogarty Steve Davis (didn't like him very much either)
Top 'man' @askewshair you sexist pig! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryl_Burton http://www.eastridingtheatre.co.uk/2018/12/beryl/ Ps ~ Botham played for the SCunts so does not count
Sir Bradley Wiggins Sir Chris Hoy Sir Steve Redgrave Jason Kenny Bobby Moore I would put Murray in the top 10. I know you've written 'sportsmen', but I think a case can be made for Laura Trott/Kenny as well.
George Best> Bobby Charlton Best trumps almost all of them on talent but Charlo has the WC medal and the longevity Very subjective discussion
