The Greatest British Sportspeople 100-91

Right, into the top 100. There may seem to be some odd choices, but as we get nearer the end, there'll be more and more effort to explain the reasoning.

100. Darren Campbell (Athletics, 1990s-2000s)

 In the post-Linford Christie era, a lot of British sprinters have flattered to deceive (and some have just plain deceived), but Darren Campbell stands out as the one who made absolutely the most of his ability. He has an Olympic gold and and a silver to show for it, amongst many other medals.
The gold was in the relay - sure, big wow, but that 2004 relay moment was an utterly thrilling underdog win. It is, however, his silver in the 200m at the 2000 Olympics which really matters. The medal was a shock, Campbell was a relative 200m novice, but ran a personal best to come within .02 of gold. And the gold went to Kenteris of Greece, one of the most blatant drug cheats imaginable - he staged a motorcycle accident to avoid testing in 2004, thus shaming his home Olympics.
So Darren deserved the gold. Because Darren was clean. Righteously, angrily, clean, and in one of the dodgiest eras of men's sprinting, he stands out for showing that a pure, clean athlete could still reach the top, despite what cynics say. So, to me, he's worth more than his achievements on paper.

99. Martin Offiah (Rugby League, 1980s-1990s)

A blazing winger, the most sensational rugby league had seen, at a time when that sport had the edge over the still-amateur union. Scored more than a try a game throughout his career, many of them ridiculous wanders round pretty much every player in the opposition team.

98. Rory Underwood (Rugby Union, 1980s-1990s)

Perhaps the reason Martin Offiah converted to Rugby League, England's record try scorer in union was every bit as coruscating as his league counterpart. People used to say that he was one of the fastest men in the world over 30m - probably bollocks, but he looked like it. Even now, on youtube, it's hard to register the extra gear he had. 49 tries for England, which is the same as Bobby Charlton's goals record, quiz kids.


97. Graham Hill (Motor racing, 1950s-1970s)

 Almost comically dandyish daredevil of the golden age of men driving too fast, Graham Hill not only sired a fellow world champion, he won the title twice and was the only man to win the Drivers Championship, the Indy 500 and the Le Mans 24 hour race. Looks like he was born to play the Sherriff of Nottingham.

96. Tom Finney (Football, 1940s-1950s)

My oh my, people love the Preston Plumber. A matchless, egoless, one-club professional, who scored fast numbers of goals for both England and Preston, he's still alive today, and spoken of in glowing terms by everyone who ever saw him play or met him.

95. Geoff Capes (Athletics, Strongman, 1970s-1980s)

  I wasn't going to include the legendary Capes, but then, I thought, this guy was the strongest man in the world. What's not great sport about that. A multi medal winner in the shot put, he earned massive fame in the ridiculously fun World's Strongest Man contest. Silly it may be, but it's not like these men aren't utterly extraordinary sportsmen. 

94. Hope Powell (Football, 1980s-1990s)

 Hope Powell has ascended to sporting greatness in her longstanding role as England coach - she has done more than anyone else for Women's football in this country - she was also one of the best ever players with a goal every two games for England.

93. Steve Ovett (Athletics, 1970s-1980s)

  The other half of maybe the most famous British sporting rivalry, Ovett broke the world record several times for 1500m and went unbeaten for several years, but it was in the 800m, Sebastian Coe's speciality, that he actually won Olympic gold.

92. Chris Boardman (Cycling, 1990s)

 This is an age of vast success for British cycling, but Chris Boardman, with his meticulous approach, was the pioneer, with his Olympic 4km gold in 1992, his world hour records, and his three Tour de France stage wins and yellow jerseys.

91. Gordon Banks (Football, 1950s-1970s)

 More than a local hero, Gordon Banks was voted the second best keeper of the 20th century and was six times FIFA's goalkeeper of the year. He won the 1966 World Cup with England and many think they'd have won it in 1970 as well if Banks had stayed fit (they lost 3-2 to Germany in the quarters, having been 2-0 up and with Banks' replacement Peter Bonetti having a bit of a shocker). Right there for England's brief footballing glory years.