Andy Murray lost OlympicRelating to the Olympic Games, which take place every four years. doubles in straight setsIn tennis, a set consists of a number of games. Usually, tennis games consist of the best of either three or five sets. . Yet the audience cheered him as if he won. They had seen history: the final game of a tennis legend.

Murray is one of Britain's best ever sportsmen. He is the only player to win two Olympic gold medals in singles. He won 46 singles titles including three grand slamsThe Grand Slam tournaments, also known as the majors, are the four most important international professional tennis events. They are the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.  . And he was world number one for 41 weeks.

But there was almost always someone better. Murray shared his career with three of the greatest players of all time: Roger Federer (310 weeks at no 1 and 103 singles titles), Rafael Nadal (209 and 92), and Novak Djokovic (428 and 98). 

He was not handsome. On court, he had a gruffRough, abrupt or harsh. personality. His style of play was scrappy.

Yet Murray had something special: determination. He grew up in rural Scotland, far from the centres of professional tennis.¹ He was injured many times yet kept bouncing back.

This ability to fight on might make Murray a hero we can relate to. We might not have his talent but we can adopt his attitude.

He caps a long list of gritty British heroes, from aviator Douglas Bader, who continued to fly after losing a leg, to the explorer Apsley Cherry-Garrard, who survived the gruelling Terra Nova expeditionA journey taken for a purpose, e.g. scientific research. to the South Pole.²

In sports, he joins Eddie the Eagle, the ski jumper who entered the Olympics for Britain despite a lack of previous professional experience.³ Or Darren Clarke, the 42-year-old golfer who won the US Open while ranked world no. 111.

Others would argue that Murray pales in comparison to those who stand at the peak of their field, such as Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton or cyclist Laura Kenny.⁴

Classical heroes inspired poetry. Writers talk about Federer's poiseGracefulness or calm confidence. and elegance.⁵ The same cannot be said of Murray.

Is he Britain's greatest sporting hero?

Yes: There are others who have achieved greater success, albeit in more nicheA very specific thing. sports. But Murray's drive, motivation and desperation to beat the odds makes him a true hero and positive role model.

No: British commentators desperately want him to be one. But in the end it is the winning that counts. We can admire and respect Murray, but the greatest sporting hero needs to stand at the very top.

Or... Sportspeople are not heroes. They spend their lives winning fame and fortune for doing something they love but has no social value. The real heroes are those fighting to make the world a better place.

FOR YOUR SUMMER READING CHALLENGE CLUE GO TO STEP SIX IN THE SIX STEPS TO DISCOVERY BELOW.