Britain's most inspirational sports stars ranked as Murray beats Hamilton and Beckham

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Andy Murray has been crowned the most inspirational British sports star of the 21st century. Following a great week of British sport as Team GB win gold at the Winter Olympics, a survey of 2,000 adults saw the tennis ace – Britain's first Wimbledon men's champion since 1936 – claim pole position.

Close behind were Chris Hoy and Mo Farah, with Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton and football icon David Beckham completing the top five. Jessica Ennis-Hill, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane also featured on the list, while darts prodigy Luke Littler earned recognition for the remarkable impact he has had on the sport in recent years.

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It emerged setting a good example (43%), showing humility (40%) and having a positive attitude (38%) were the key qualities that make a sports star inspirational, according to the research commissioned by JustGiving.

Others pointed to exceptional sporting achievements (36%) and charity work (26%), which ranked higher than the amount of goals scored (24%). In fact, athletes who champion good causes have inspired 30% of Brits to take part in a sporting charity fundraiser themselves

Pascale Harvie, president and general manager of the charitable fundraising platform, which witnessed £235 million raised through sporting and fitness events in 2025, marking a 6% year-on-year rise, 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.

"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."

The study found that the Lionesses, Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics and Leicester City's Premier League triumph were deemed the most inspiring collective accomplishments of recent times.

Whilst 41% of respondents said witnessing sporting excellence has spurred them to become more physically active, 84% added that simply watching sport has made them want to give it a go.

A third were motivated by the personal challenge and 19% wanted to develop their own skills after watching a memorable sporting moment.

With the Winter Olympics already taking place, and the World Cup to come, many said major sporting events are likely to spur charitable action this year, as more than a quarter (26%) will be encouraged to donate or fundraise following these events.

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When it comes to fundraising, JustGiving data shows running is by far the most popular activity that drives the most fundraising, followed by walks and treks, then cycling.

Half marathons are the most common distance undertaken, while full marathons generate the highest donation totals.

Pascale 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."

TOP 20 MOST INSPIRATIONAL BRITISH SPORTS STARS OF THE 21ST CENTURY