I ‘overheard’ a conversation on Twitter this evening, in which the extremely gifted Argentinian, David Nalbandian, was described as the best tennis player never to have won a Grand Slam tournament.
Whilst I think that Nalbandian is a terrific talent, I would personally have saved mention for Tim Henman, although I am confident that Andy Murray will not remain a part of this club for long.
It did provoke some thought on my part as to the greatest ‘sporting bridesmaids’. In addition, it soon became apparent to me that most of the names on my list were British … now what is it they say about the Dunkirk Spirit and a nation of gracious losers?
There were many that came to mind, not all Brits, but here are my Top 5 Bridesmaids (in reverse order) … who never did, or have yet to become the bride:-
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Sir HENRY COOPER famously had Muhammad Ali on the canvas during their 1963 bout. A great fighter, who was twice Sports Personality of the Year, he never won a World Title, in an era where Champions had to earn their belt, as oppose to claiming a cheap imitation like the WBO. |
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COLIN MONTGOMERIE will lead Europe into the Ryder Cup later this year, and will have the confidence of many. In this historical team event, Monty has rarely been short of magical. Whilst this ability has carried him to an impressive 40 Tournament victories in his career, the search for a Major has proven elusive, with FIVE second place finishes. |
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STEVEN GERRARD has won many major accolades during his time in football. Nobody can forget his inspirational performances in the 2005 Champions’ League Final, and the 2006 FA Cup Final, erstwhile referred to as the ‘Gerrard Final’. However, it is difficult to believe that a player of his ability is yet to win a League Championship Winners’ Medal, especially when compared to many who have. |
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DAN MARINO held no fewer than 32 NFL records when he retired in 1999. To this day, he is revered as one of the greatest Quarterbacks in the history of the sport, and was selected to the Pro Bowl on an incredible 9 occasions. Yet, Marino never managed to win the one game that is the yardstick of all American Footballers, Super Bowl. |
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How JIMMY “The Whirlwind” WHITE never won the Embassy World Title is beyond me. 10 Ranking Tournament victories, over £4.5 million of prize money, yet never the big one. 6 World Championship Finals including 1994, when he led Stephen Hendry in the final frame … still never the big one … and sadly, never the bride. |
There are, of course, many others. We have already spoken of Tim Henman, and Merlene Ottey comes to mind also. I was also reminded that the great Colin Jackson won 9 Major Gold Medals, but only gained a ‘Seoul’ Silver Medal in 4 Olympic Games.
There are others that have been more spectacular in defeat, such as the incredibly brave Eric Moussambani (Eric the Eel), and even Cheltenham’s own Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards. However, my thought of the ‘bridesmaid’ is one of outstanding talent, who for some reason never managed to reach their sport’s Holy Grail.
I thoroughly look forward to hearing from people as to whom they might have in their lists.
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Rohan Kallicharan
I am the editor of hetoreahamstring.co.uk and also have a personal site at rohankallicharan.co.uk. I am passionate about all sports and would probably pay over the odds from a tout to watch the world tiddlywinks final. I was fortunate to grow up inside the dressing room of the legendary West Indian cricket team of the 1970/80s - this has, I hope, given me a real insight into sport as a whole and the mindset of successful sportsmen. I played cricket and rugby at representative level as a youth, and also have a UK College Bowl winning medal in American Football! My real passions are West Indian cricket and Liverpool Football Club but I will write about much more! I hope you enjoy the site.
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