NEWS COPY
Murray Walker has topped a list of the nation’s favourite sports commentators of all time.
The Birmingham-born commentator made his first broadcast at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb in 1948, before a long-spanning Formula One career where he was known for his animated descriptions of cars racing.
But Walker became known for the odd mistake – nicknamed ‘Murrayisms’ including ‘With half the race gone, there is still half the race to go’ and ‘the lead car is absolutely unique apart from the one behind it’.
Second place went to John McEnroe, a former tennis pro who moved into commentating after his retirement from the sport.
David Coleman who worked for the BBC for 46 years, covering countless Olympic Games football World Cups came third.
Like Walker, he was also known for his gaffes, known as ‘Colemanballs’, such as ‘that’s the fastest time ever run – but it’s not as fast as the world record.’
Harry Carpenter and John Motson completed the top five.
Kevin Smith, spokesman for OnePoll.com which commissioned the research, said: "It's easy to celebrate the success of sports teams and individuals, however, what can most define a moment in sporting history, is the way in which it was commentated on.
"Without sports commentators, we would be devoid of impassioned responses to some of the great sporting achievements and the general public would be without a voice during these moments".
Sixth place in the poll of 2,000 adults, went to former rugby union player Brian Moore, who since retiring has commentated on the sport for the BBC.
Former F1 driver David Coulthard came seventh followed by cricketer Richie Benaud.
After retiring from playing in 1964, he became a journalist and commentator and was known for his white and cream jackets, which were his trademark during live commentary.
Barry Davies and Peter Alliss completed the top ten.
Other popular commentators to feature in the top 20 include Kenneth Wolstenholme, who provided the commentary on England’s 1966 World Cup win against West Germany.
As the final whistle blew on the historic game, Wolstenholme uttered the famous line: “They think it’s all over… It is now’ which has gone on to become a widely-used expression.
It was even used as the name of the BBC sports quiz show ‘They Think It’s All Over’.
Dan Maskell, Peter O’Sullevan and Clive Tyldesley also feature in the top 20, along with John Arlott, Martin Brundle and Martin Tyler.
Top 20 Favourite Sports Commentators
1. Murray Walker
2. John McEnroe
3. David Coleman
4. Harry Carpenter
5. John Motson
6. Brian Moore
7. David Coulthard
8. Richie Benaud
9. Barry Davies
10. Peter Alliss (CORR)
11. Dan Maskell
12. Peter O’Sullevan (CORR)
13. Clive Tyldesley
14. Dennis Taylor
15. Kenneth Wolstenholme (CORR)
16. John Arlott (CORR)
17. Martin Brundle
18. Sid Waddell
19. Martin Tyler
20. David Gower
ENDS
