Gareth Bale voted the greatest Welsh sportsperson on 21st Century

Welsh sports fans have had their say and the left-footed winger won with 46 per cent of the vote. 

Second place went to the man with the most test caps in men’s international rugby history, Swansea’s own Alun Wyn Jones. 

Joe Calzaghe had a stellar career, going undefeated in 46 professional fights, and winning multiple world championships in two weight classes – enough to see him claim third spot in this list. 

Manchester United and Wales legend Ryan Giggs picked up fourth place – testament to his 20 plus years of elite football. 

2018 Tour de France champion, and two-time Olympic gold medallist, Geraint Thomas tied for fifth with World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, Shane Williams. 

A spokesperson for CopyBet.com said: “Wales 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, Wales have had lots of success this century, and with the Summer Olympics and the Six Nations underway, 2024 will surely see more memorable sporting moments.”  

Commissioned by the betting platform, a poll of 2,000 adults who watch sport also identified the UK’s greatest sporting moment of the century – which was won by Sir Andy Murray for his Wimbledon triumph in 2013.  

Second place went to Jonny Wilkinson’s last-minute drop goal for England against Australia to win the 2003 World Cup, while 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. 

90 per cent of Welsh sports fans feel UK sporting successes boost the morale of the nation – with 67 per cent of the opinion that it’s in need of another sporting triumph or two.  

Carried out through OnePoll, the study found 61 per cent of Welsh sports fans believe the current generation of UK sportspeople holds up to those from past eras. 

As such, 65 per cent are optimistic about the UK’s sporting prospects for the decade ahead. 

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

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

Top 10 – Welsh sportspeople of the 21st Century as voted for by Welsh sorts fans

1.      Gareth Bale MBE 

2.      Alun Wyn Jones OBE 

3.      Joe Calzaghe CBE 

4.      Ryan Giggs OBE 

5.      Geraint Thomas OBE 

6. Shane Williams MBE 

7.      Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE 

8.      Gary Speed MBE 

9.      Sam Warburton OBE  

10.    Gareth Thomas CBE 

Top 10 – UK sporting moments of the 21st Century as voted for by UK sports fans

1.      Sir Andy Murray winning Wimbledon in 2013 

2.      Jonny Wilkinson’s last-minute drop goal for England against Australia to win the 2003 World Cup 

3.      The Lionesses winning the Women’s Euros in 2022 

4.      Leicester City winning the Premier League in 2015/16 

5.      Sir Mo Farah’s double gold at the 2012 Olympics – 5,000m and 10,000m 

6.      Sir Steve Redgrave winning his fifth consecutive Olympic rowing golds in 2000 

7.      ‘The Miracle of Istanbul’ – Liverpool’s comeback from 3-0 down to win the Champions League against AC Milan in 2005 

8.      England winning the Ashes in 2005 

9.      England’s Cricket ODI World Cup win in 2019 

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

(Lead image: حسین ظهروند / Creative Commons 4.0)