A Celebration of Black Excellence in British Sport

On Monday the 25th of May 2020 a black male by the name of George Floyd was brutally murdered whilst in police custody in Minneapolis, USA.

The nature of his death was sickening and has enraged millions across the globe.

The 46 year old father of two’s premature death sparked protests aligned with the “Black Lives Matter” movement worldwide.

This post is not all about the abhorrent incident that occurred on the 25th of May. There are thousands of people far more qualified, educated and knowledgeable than myself covering this tragic event as well as what followed.

So I thought, what could I do? What contribution, however small, could I make towards the B.L.M movement...

In order to bring about any social change it is imperative to bring people with you as opposed to driving them away.

For instance, If a vegetarian ambushes a meat-eater in the street and exclaims “Meat is murder!” the chances of bringing that person round to their way of thinking is almost 0.

Rather than creating friction by offering contrary views, try to understand why your beliefs differ, listen and drip-feed them information which subtly changes their attitudes over time. Bring them with you.

The aim of this post is to celebrate black excellence. Not to put it on a pedestal above any other race. Not to undermine sportspeople of non-black origin.

Instead to celebrate times in recent history where sportspeople of Black origin made me feel proud to be British or gave millions of people tremendous joy.

I hope to spread positivity in an attempt to gradually change the attitudes of those with contrary views.

Our Great British Athletes

The likes of Denise Lewis, Daley Thompson, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Lynford Christie, to name just a few, paved the way for many of the black british athletes we see at the top of their disciplines today.

Katrina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith picked up gold medals at last year's World Championships in the Heptathlon and 200m respectively.

Two female athletes who are great role-models for young women of any race who dream of competing at the highest level.

Both will no doubt have their sights set on the next Olympics, whenever it may be, to inspire more young athletes to get involved in athletics.

Mo Farah is a figure who cannot go unmentioned. Consecutive double Olympic gold medals in the 10,000m & 5,000m.

The first of which came in London, topping of what came to be known as “Super Saturday”, he had the support of the nation behind him that day.

Here’s to hoping one day that same support follows Sir Mo and many others off the track.

England Cricket’s missing piece

Last year England won the cricket world cup. One of the standout performers was newcomer Jofra Archer.

He was England’s leading wicket taker in the tournament and bowled the “Super Over” in the final which saw his side to victory.

Archer then further impressed in the following Ashes series. He finished as the series’ 3rd highest wicket taker despite missing one of the tests.

On the whole, England cricket team’s lack racial diversity. Jofra Archer brought a fierce pace and bounce, the likes of which we have never seen before from an English quick.

Archer’s presence in the England set up over the coming years might change how talent is recognised at all levels of cricket.

Rugby world cup finalists in Japan

England’s 2019 World Cup squad included more than double the amount of players of black origin than their 2015 World Cup squad.

A valiant effort saw the red and whites victorious over Australia and tournament favourites New Zealand en route to the final where they just fell short.

The likes of Kyle Sinckler, Mako Vunipolia, Billy Vunipola, Manu Tuilagi, Maro Itoje and Courtney Lawes were part of the core of a squad who produced England’s best World cup finish since they won the competition in 2003.

"Wade"ing across the Atlantic

Whilst on the theme of rugby, Ex Lions & England International winger Christian Wade decided to retire from professional rugby at the tender age of 27 to pursue a career in the NFL.

He has signed a contract with the Buffalo Bills and will compete for a place in their squad this summer.

Only time will tell whether this is the right decision for Christian, but his ambition should be celebrated and he has the support of the nation behind him.

International Football stars

Who could forget the summer of 2018 which saw England’s 2nd best world cup finish in history. 11 of the 23 man squad were of black origin.

Since this tournament, the quality of Black English players has improved even further.

The likes of Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling & Trent Alexander-Arnold are seen as some of the best players in the Premier League in their respective positions.

Whilst 20 year old Jadon Sancho is setting the Bundesliga alight. Those named, alongside many others, are doing fantastic jof portraying positive messaging on social media during this period.

It’s not just the men either. Nikita Parris & Demi Stokes were an integral part of England’s Lionesses side which progressed to the semi-final of the 2019 world cup. Going out to the eventual winners USA.

It’s not all heartache though! earlier that year, both were involved in England’s first SheBelieves cup victory.

Britain’s Prized fighters

The current crop of British boxers is arguably the best we have ever produced.

Five Britons are current world champions as well as two more interim champions (Dillian Whyte & Chris Eubank Jr.) none of which are more revered in their weight category than Anthony Joshua.

AJ gained national attention when picking up an Olympic gold medal at the 2012 games in London.

His professional career that followed was explosive, selling out Wembley & The Principality stadium twice each!

In his 23 fights he has just 1 loss and of his 22 victories, 21 have come by KO. He's not done yet either with an undisputed fight against fellow Brit Tyson Fury believed to be in the pipeline.

Two young stars of British heavyweight boxing, Joe Joyce & Daniel Dubois have been forced to wait for their chance to go toe to toe due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

But that will without doubt be a peek into the future of British heavyweight boxing, with both showing huge potential.

The Sports Personality Of The Year awards are a night where the country comes together to celebrate great sporting achievements throughout the year.

Last year 4 of the 6 nominees for the award were of Black origin.

There is no prejudice when judging someone’s sporting ability, skin colour just doesn’t come into the equation. This same approach must be mirrored in society, no stereotyping, no forejudgement.

Black Lives Matter. If you agree you owe it to your fellow human beings to do what you can to preach this message. You may not believe that your singular voice is that loud, but it will be heard.

Whether it’s joining a demonstration/peaceful protest, educating yourself/others or preaching positivity like I have done.

If you feel it’s a necessary cause, do what you can to make your voice heard.