Andy Murray has been voted the most inspirational British sports star of the 21st century, according to a survey of 2,000 adults. The tennis ace, who became Britain's first Wimbledon men's champion since 1936, topped the list ahead of cycling legend Chris Hoy and long-distance runner Mo Farah.
Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton and football icon David Beckham completed the top five, while Jessica Ennis-Hill, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane also featured. Darts prodigy Luke Littler earned recognition for his recent impact on the sport.
The research, commissioned by fundraising platform JustGiving, found that setting a good example (43%), showing humility (40%) and having a positive attitude (38%) were the key qualities that make a sports star inspirational. Exceptional sporting achievements (36%) and charity work (26%) ranked higher than goals scored (24%).
Pascale Harvie, president and general manager of JustGiving, said: 'Sports stars have a unique ability to inspire people in all sorts of ways. One of the most positive impacts we've seen is encouraging more people to get involved in fundraising.' The platform saw £235 million raised through sporting and fitness events in 2025, a 6% year-on-year rise.
The study also revealed that the Lionesses, Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics and Leicester City's Premier League triumph were deemed the most inspiring collective accomplishments. Meanwhile, 84% of respondents said watching sport has made them want to give it a go, and 30% have been inspired by athletes' charity work to take part in a sporting fundraiser.
