In a moment that has sparked celebration and debate in equal measure, Andy Murray has been awarded a major national honour — with some commentators noting that fellow sporting icons David Beckham and Lewis Hamilton were not included in the same recognition.
The announcement has delighted tennis fans, who view the accolade as a fitting tribute to Murray’s extraordinary contribution to British sport. However, it has also reignited conversations about how honours are decided — and why certain high-profile figures continue to wait.
Andy Murray has been crowned the most inspirational British sports star of the 21st century, outshining a host of world champions and Olympic heroes to claim the title. The tennis ace from Dunblane has won the hearts of the nation with his positive outlook and modesty. Surpassing Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton and ex-professional footballer David Beckham, a survey of 2,000 adults saw the Scot clinch the top spot.
Murray’s illustrious career boasts numerous accolades, including two summer Olympic gold medals and being the first British Wimbledon men’s champion since 1936. Also making the top five were four-time Olympic gold medallist runner Mo Farah and Sir Chris Hoy, an 11-time world champion and six-time Olympic champion. Jessica Ennis-Hill, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane also made the list for their remarkable achievements.
Research commissioned by JustGiving identified three key qualities that make a sports star inspirational. Setting a good example was voted the top quality with 43 per cent, closely followed by humility and a positive attitude, which received 40 per cent and 38 per cent respectively.
Meanwhile, exceptional sporting achievements (36 per cent) and involvement in charity work (26 per cent) both ranked higher than the number of goals scored by athletes during their careers, which received 24 per cent.
The nation appears to place greater value on an athlete’s dedication and how they use their platform than on silverware alone, with the survey revealing that sportspeople who champion charitable causes have motivated 30 per cent of Britons to participate in their own sporting fundraising initiatives.
During 2025, JustGiving recorded an impressive £235million raised through sporting and fitness events. This substantial figure represents a positive year-on-year growth of six per cent.
Pascale Harvie, president and general manager of the charitable fundraising platform, 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.
She added: “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.”
Regarding the most inspiring team accomplishments of the 21st century, the survey placed Team GB’s showing at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Leicester City’s Premier League triumph amongst the top three.
Watching sport has profoundly influenced the British public, with 84 per cent of respondents saying they’re motivated to try sports after witnessing them at events or on television.
Furthermore, 41 per cent felt inspired to become more physically active after watching sporting excellence.
Harvie added: “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.
“Those stories have an incredible ripple effect beyond the field of play, and we hope they continue to inspire more people to get active, take on a challenge and use sport as a force for good.
