Andrew Baker, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Jim Laker’s 19-wicket Ashes Test haul at Old Trafford and the 40th anniversary of Geoff Hurst’s World Cup hat trick, outlines ten all-time great sporting feats.
Somehow, he managed to include ice dancing.
But what might be your choice?
Here’s Baker’s list, as if appeared in Monday’s Daily Telegraph.
Jim Laker: The scourge of Australia on a memorable day at Old Trafford, as pictured right
Geoff Hurst: The back-up who won the World Cup with his hat-trick
Torvill & Dean: So stylish they turned ice dance into a national obsession
Anil Kumble: Leg-spinner who matched Laker’s feat against India’s big rivals
Mark Spitz: Swam his way to Olympic history with seven golds in one Games
Frankie Dettori: Took the bookies to the cleaners and punters to seventh heaven
Steffi Graf: West Germany’s golden girl who won all there was to win in 1988
Jesse Owens: Versatile athlete who laid waste to Hitler’s masterplan for the 1936 Olympics
Nadia Comaneci: Romanian gymnast who beamed her way to greatness
Jonny Wilkinson: The extra-time hero of Sydney with the golden left boot
Baker admits there’s no Babe Ruth or Botham, nor Tiger or Nicklaus, nor is there any mention of Bannister or Coe. Are all his choices worthy ones? Or what are the other notable omissions?
Make your views known by posting a comment here.
And click here to read about an innovative proposal to celebrate the Boys of ’66