Britain's greatest ever sportsman/woman

[PeterWithesShin]

Of course the differences are big in how they trained, equipment etc, but just saying they don't count because of the era they were born is bizarre imo. It's like saying Bradman can never be considered the greatest cricketer, Babe Ruth the greatest baseball player and so just because of when they were born.

[hipkiss92]

Was Paul McGrath not playing a sport then?

Being Irish would be the disqualifier

[olaftab]

After Charlie Atkin it has to be Iron Bottom.

[olaftab]

C. B. Fry

I was going to say after C B Fry it would Daley Thompson.

Thompson was mediocre at 10 events.

[cdbearsfan]

Decathlon is one event, split into ten disciplines. That's like saying Pele can't be one of the best because he was mediocre at goalkeeping.

[cdbearsfan]

Was Paul McGrath not playing a sport then?

Being Irish would be the disqualifier

More British than Lennox Lewis who has already been mentioned.

[olaftab]

Decathlon is one event, split into ten disciplines. That's like saying Pele can't be one of the best because he was mediocre at goalkeeping.

He wouldn't have won a medal in any of those  at Olympic games.

[cdbearsfan]

No but he won the decathlon, which is the event he took part in.

[amfy]

I do think that we tendency to underestimate the incredible range of sporting skill involved in tennis.
Speed and stamina, strength and agility, fitness, co-ordination, control, quick thinking. The sheer athleticism of being out there testing you body in so many different ways over such a period of time.

I'm not even a massive tennis fan, but there is so much more to it than being a runner, a jumper or a swimmer. For that reason, the best tennis player has to be up there.

[cdbearsfan]

True, but much as I like Murray, he isn't the best tennis player. He's never been number one. Admittedly he has had some ridiculously good opposition.

[Colhint]

Going by cd's reading (which also rules out Daley Thompson) and also ignoring pub games / competitive arts, is there any British person who is the best ever in the world at their main sport ?

Definitely Snooker.Whoever you choose would be a Brit

[footyskillz]

Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore . Ryan Giggs is in modern era. 

[cdbearsfan]

Get out.

[tomd2103]

I know current sports people often get overlooked in these debates and that he wasn't born in the UK, but Mo Farah's achievements have been pretty outstanding.  You would probably have to include A P McCoy as well.

I think if we are talking truly world dominant British sports people, then we would probably have to go back to the Victorian era really.  In the space of a decade in the 1880's, William Renshaw of Leamington Spa won 7 Wimbledon singles titles (six in a row and missed one year due to injury - tennis elbow) and 5 Wimbledon doubles titles with his twin brother Ernest. 

[Louzie0]

Picking up on longevity, Richard Meade is still reckoned the most successful British Olympic rider, as he was in 4 Games and picked up individual as well as team medals, including gold. He won national and international competitions apart from those, as well.
Gave a lot back to his sport, as well.