Yes I liked Verstappen when he first burst onto the scene, but now he’s becoming bit of a pain. Senna was such a cool bloke. I remember Johnny Herbert talking about him and his risk taking. He said “ all drivers like to think God is on their side, but Ayrton genuinely believes it!”
Pele, Cassius Clay, Cloughie, Hurley, Monty and Quinny , met the last four a few times so am a wee bit biased
Forgot about him,never ever seen a better bit of athleticism in my lifetime when doing El Capitan in Free Solo,amazing film
Been a good read this thread, with some interesting choices. I guess some of my choices probably reflect my age, and the impression they made on me as a young un. 1. Johan Cruyff. 1974 was the first world cup I can remember watching, and in colour! Loved the Holland strip, and Cruyff stood out. Such a skillful player, and way ahead of his time. Was gutted when he didn't play in the 1978 world cup (there's a bit controversy on why he didnt). Still doubt they would have beat Argentina in the final though, but not for footballing reasons. 2. Muhammad Ali. Never tire of watching this man, his fights, his interviews...anything. I seen him when he came to the north east, maybe mid/late 70's? We were at just getting to the pay kiosk coming out the Tyne tunnel going to Whitley Bay, and he was in a car going the other way. His window was wound down and he waved right at us. I've never been as awestruck as I was at that moment. 3. Alex Higgins. I was brought up watching Pot Black, and for all I loved it, it was a bit "bland" really. Then Higgins came along, playing shots that no one else would even try, never mind actually pulling them off. When he was on his game, he was untouchable. I think Higgins paved the way for snooker becoming as popular as it is today. 4. Barry Sheen. My Dad had a bike, and used to watch the bike racing so was something i took an interest in. Just thought he looked cool as owt, and to this day I still write a number 7 with a strike through. 5. Niall Quinn The only one in my list who became a "hero" to me as an adult. Loved him when he played for us, what he brought to Sunderland. It wasn't just his football though, he just seemed a thoroughly decent bloke who got the club, got the area. He says we "got under his skin", i think we did. He just got us.
I really like Verstappen,love his attitude and skills which you need to be a multi world champion, I think it’s embarrassing the reception he gets from the British crowd,it’s as though it was ok for Senna to be ultra aggressive on track, but for some reason not for Max or Schumacher as well
Great thread. Thinking about this I realise that I seem to prefer those who whilst talented were not perhaps the most talented of their era but never gave up and made the most of what they had: Bjorn Borg - no where near as talented as McEnroe but what a player Joel Garner - loved Big Bird but often overlooked for Holding and Marshall Matt Le Tissier - at a big club he would probably have been one of the greatest ever Rob Andrew - overlooked when Johnny Wilkinson came along but set the standard Alan Wells - got me in to sprinting when I was younger
He certainly has your heart in your mouth. I remember one challenge he took on having to beat a climber who had climbed 3 mountains in 3 days ( I think ) he used ropes. Alex did them free climbing in 19 hours, bloody mental man
Aye,mind blowing stuff mate,even watching it for the second time,still had sweaty palms ,the part where he has to move quickly while hanging on to his fingertips,which he failed in the practice run with ropes,is insane,he had to be perfect all climb or it was fatal,even some of the camera crew couldn’t watch in parts
Showing my age here George Best – best footballer I have ever seen. He produced his magic on heavy pitches with heavy leather balls whilst being kicked to death by players who didn’t deserve to be on the same pitch as him Muhammed Ali – quite simply the greatest boxer I have ever seen Ian Botham – for his performance in the 1981 Ashes test match Geoffrey Boycott – his ability to stay at the crease in a 5 day match was incredible. He didn’t just take the shine off one new ball, he took it off every new ball in an innings Jack Nicklaus – 18 Majors playing at a time where the equipment made them play the course and not murder it. He also played at a time when there was only a *** paper between most of the top golfers and it was almost impossible to pick a winner pre tournament.
Some great choices on here. Like many others, my choices are a combination of characters and the impression they made on me - esp as my appreciation of sports changes over the ages. I always loved the more maverick approach Seve the shotmaker. Cool and handsome with it and some of those shots from just nowhere. Loved it, he never gave up and loved beating the Yanks. JP was an absolute wizard on the tennis court. artistry. If you ain’t seen his documentary on sky it is worth a watch. Another cool cat today and great commentator. Daley Thompson - proper athlete and character. Got his autograph at an athletics meet in Gateshead back in the day… when I loved watching track n field, and the 800m trio scrapping it out. Gan on Stevie Cram Mike Tyson - just wow, Ali was amazing, Sugar Ray was slick and Marvelous Marvin Hagler was a cool customer but all just a bit before my time. I started getting into watching more boxing at 15 - then Iron Mike came on the scene and ripped it a new one. Huggins then Jimmy White at snooker - again, just the crazy shotmaking I loved it. Met Huggins once in a pub/club in Manchester but what an odious prick he was - poisoned in many ways by that point. as for footie , there’s plenty. When I was playing a bit more in my 20s I just loved (and tried to emulate) Zidane, but it was probably a bit more Roy Keane. That French team of the noughties under ZZ was something else. Proves he was human by puking at penalties and the mad nutting episode! as for hero’s - John Kay for rowing off the pitch @ Roker. He lived in my village and there were a few stories of his Saturday night antics down the local club
Jonah Lomu - what an absolute beast. Didn't need to do anything but get his head up and run through walls. Absolutely unstoppable. Such a shame that he had such horrendous health issues which resulted in the end of his career and a tragically short life. Carl Lewis - best known for his sprinting prowess, but I vividly remember watching the long jump with him and Mike Powell. Both men breaking the long standing world record to try and beat each other. Happy Gilmore - insanely long-hitting golfist. Just amazing. Niall Quinn - keep switching between him and SKP, but stepping up as manager and chairman, as well as his love for the club does it for me. Can't decide on a 5th. Possibly Brian O'Driscoll. Loved watching the way he would glide when carrying the ball. Looked like he was going at 50% pace, incredibly deceptive pace and with genius vision.
