Did You Ever Have One?

[nicebloke1]

When you where younger or even now, have you a favourite hero in the sporting world, that left a lasting impression on you. Women /man, young sports girl or boy, and if you like why.

For me it was Daley Thompson. Why, nothing ever seemed to sap his pysical strength and determination.

[ToraToraTora]

Daley Thompson for me too nicebloke.

[nicebloke1]

Ruddy nora, are you agreeing with me. The real life Bionic man. :0)))

[ToraToraTora]

I always remember the 1984 olympics in discus, it wasn't going great in the decathlon overall and he needed a good throw. Pickering said "Oh ye of little Faith" - when I hear that even now I think of that moment.

 

[nicebloke1]

Thanks. He was never ever short of a big smile no matter what situation he was in.

[ToraToraTora]

Another hero of mine, though a lot less well known to most was the Judoka Brian Jacks. I did a lot of judo between 11 and 18 and he was always a legend to us. He also amazed me on the 70s show "Superstars". Daley Thompson also appeared on that.

[Ken4155]

I was in the same Regiment as Daley's cousin, John 'Nickname Bluto'. Daley had yet to make his name and when John told us his cousin was an athlete, no-one took much notice as he wasn't a 'name' at thw time.

A few years after leaving the army, i watched an episode of Family Fortunes to find John standing alongside his, by then world-famous, cousin.

 

&t=310s

[nicebloke1]

16.16 great vid!! its can be a small world.

[nicebloke1]

That massive smile of his was infectious. We could do with the likes of him around today to give the younger ones something to latch onto and copy. If only.

[rockyracoon]

Daley Thompson for me too. I had a massive crush on him when I was in my teens

[nicebloke1]

I think many women did. ^^:0)

[fraser]

hero in football was kevin keegan when he came to newcastle as a player in 82 and then a manager in 92, what a man enough said as any newcastle united fan would say.

[10ClarionSt]

Without doubt it was Rod Laver. He is still the only player ever to have won the Grand Slam in the same season, which he did twice. A fantastic serve and volley player whose game was totally different and much more exciting than the grinding, boring, baseline gubbins that we have today. And an absolute gentleman. 

I also greatly admired Seve Ballesteros. A great golfer and human being. One example of his rapport with the fans was when he was playing in one major tournament, his ball had just run over the green slightly and he was about to play a delicate chip shot when a young boy quite near to him in the crowd moved towards him and spoke to his dad. Seve stopped, went up to him, put his hand on his head and said "You be good boy for me please while I play thees shot, yes?" And he proceeded to play a great shot. Contrast that with a famous, foul-mouthed British golfer, who, a couple of seasons later, was in the same position, when he bawled out at a woman spectator; "Keep that fkn child quiet. NOW!" 

So, those two for me. 

[ichkeria]

Shane Warne.

Who apparently is also Amol Rajan's hero 

[naomi24]

Nadia Comăneci, who at the age of 14 was the first gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10.0 at the Olympic Games.

[mushroom25]

// Daley Thompson also appeared on that. //

so did Kevin Keegan. on one show he injured himself, perhaps not seriously but enough for everyone to expect him to withdraw. but no, he was back on set the next day....

[Cloverjo]

Steffi Graf. Same age as me, but blessed with bundles of talent and a great forehand.

[naomi24]

John Curry.  From a dancer's perspective he was ballet on ice - and mesmerising.

[Smowball]

Daley Thomson too lol!

[Old_Geezer]

No, not particularly. I never understood why some had, "heroes", and for later generations, "role models".

[nicebloke1]

No,? not particularly? Not to sure then OG? :0) Heroes and role models can promote and encourage young minds and also guide them in the right direction wouldn't you think OG.