Top 20 greatest UK sporting moments of 21st Century revealed with O’Sullivan, Hamilton and Murray bringing joy to nation

THE UK’s greatest sporting moment of the 21st century has been revealed – Sir Andy Murray winning Wimbledon in 2013.

Sports fans from the UK have had their say and the tennis great’s victory over Novak Djokovic to end Britain’s 77-year-wait for a Wimbledon men’s singles champion came top.

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EPA

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PA

Second place went to Jonny Wilkinson’s last-minute drop goal for England against Australia to win the 2003 World Cup, while the third spot went to The Lionesses winning the Women’s Euros in 2022.

Leicester City winning the Premier League in 2015/16 came fourth, while Sir Mo Farah’s double gold at the 2012 Olympics in the 5,000m and 10,000m came fifth.

The poll of 2,000 adults who watch sport was commissioned by CopyBet.com, which has also created a quiz for fans to test their knowledge of UK triumphs.

A spokesperson for the betting platform said: “The UK has a proud sporting history and it’s always enjoyable to reflect on the moments and sportspeople we remember most fondly.

“As the study shows, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have had lots of success this century.

“And with Euro 2024, the Summer Olympics, Wimbledon, on the horizon, and the Six Nations underway, 2024 will surely see more memorable sporting moments.”

The study also identified the UK’s greatest sportsperson of the century – and Sir Mo fared well there too, this time taking first place.

Sir Andy Murray and Sir Lewis Hamilton came second and third respectively, followed by Sir Chris Hoy in fourth and David Beckham in fifth.

It also emerged 87 per cent believe UK sporting successes boost the morale of the nation.

With 65 per cent of the opinion it’s in ‘desperate’ need of another sporting triumph or two.

And no doubt they’d be delighted to see anything close to Emma Raducanu winning US Open title in 2021 or Ben Stokes’ Ashes-saving 135 not out at Headingly in 2019.

These moments are joined in the top 20 by England winning the Ashes in 2005 and Hoy’s triple gold at the 2008 Olympics in track cycling.

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Dame Kelly Holmes’ double gold at the 2004 Olympics in the 800m and 1500m and Paula Radcliffe’s marathon world record in 2003 also made the cut.

As did Beckham’s last-minute free-kick against Greece in 2001 to secure England’s qualification for the 2002 World Cup.

Carried out through OnePoll, the study found 60 per cent believe the current generation of UK sportspeople holds up to those from past eras.

As such, 64 per cent are optimistic about the UK’s sporting prospects for the decade ahead.

And their hopes might be riding on footballer Jude Bellingham, darts player Luke Littler, and Manchester City star Phil Foden, who are the top three sportspeople those polled think will go on to become sporting greats.

A spokesperson for CopyBet.com added: “Recent successes will surely inspire the next generation of athletes to match or better past achievements.

“The future is looking bright for the UK – no doubt sports fans will be excited to see what happens next.”