Living legends Sir Chris Hoy and Andy Murray are voted Scotland’s sporting greats

With decades of sporting moments and champions to choose from, a poll by National Lottery Good Causes has revealed that contemporary sporting icons Sir Chris Hoy and Andy Murray are Scotland’s all-time sporting heroes.

Over a third (39 per cent) of Scots named Andy Murray’s triumph at Wimbledon this summer as the country’s greatest sporting moment in the poll carried out by You Gov.
However, the accolade of Scotland’s ultimate sporting hero went to six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy with almost a fifth of votes (19 per cent) with Murray placed second (16 per cent). Sir Chris’ record breaking sixth Olympic gold medal at London 2012 Olympics was voted second in the list of Scotland’s greatest sporting moments (22 per cent).

Sir Chris Hoy said: “It’s a great honour to be told that Scottish people think of me as a sporting hero. I hope that seeing Scottish athletes doing well has inspired people of all ages across the country to take part in different sports.”

Despite a noble defeat against England earlier this month Scotland’s win against the football World Cup holders in 1967 still rates highly, taking third place in the list of greatest Scottish sporting moments (7 per cent). Archie Gemmill’s 1978 wonder goal in the World Cup finals was rated fourth (5 per cent).

The Scottish ultimate sporting heroes top five was completed by Sir Alex Ferguson in third place with 14 per cent of the vote followed by three time Formula One world champion ‘Flying Scot’ Sir Jackie Stewart (7 per cent). Four percent of those polled said ‘maybes aye’ to Kenny Dalglish, securing him fifth place on the list.

More than £175 million of National Lottery funding has been invested in sport across Scotland providing life-changing assistance at grassroots community level right through to high-performance athletes.

Sir Chris added: “I’ve been able to live out my ultimate dreams by winning medals at four Olympic Games and National Lottery funding was really important to me. It gave me access to facilities, coaching and medical care and allowed me to train full time when I graduated from university. I’m looking forward to the Commonwealth Games next year and seeing more Scottish athletes have the chance to shine on an international stage.”

National Lottery funding is playing its part in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and continuing its legacy. From funding high performance athletes and world class sporting venues to supporting volunteers, community sport and celebration events, the National Lottery is helping ensure that Glasgow will host a Commonwealth Games to be proud of.

Vicki Kennedy at the National Lottery Good Causes said: “It’s no surprise that Sir Chris Hoy and Andy Murray have topped these polls – they are a credit to the nation and have made it a fantastic time to be a sports fan in Scotland. As we look ahead to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014, I’m excited to witness more magic moments being created by young Lottery-funded athletes such as Michael Jamieson and Eilidh Child.”

“National Lottery players raise £35 million a week for Good Causes which includes giving people from all walks of life the opportunity to enjoy sport. From launching wheelchair football teams and introducing children to new sports to helping our high performance athletes win medals all over the world, the National Lottery is proud of its investment in supporting sport across Scotland and the UK.”

For further information on National Lottery Good Causes visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk