Is Murray a hero?

I don't regard Murray as a hero. He's a talented tennis player who has managed to get the right team around him, and with the aid of sports technology he has persevered to get to the top of his game. Well done to him, but he's not a hero.

I don't think we should belittle the very great mental and physical strength and dedication needed to excel in sport these days, and we should acknowledge his achievement in being the first British man to win a grand slam event for 75 years. But I agree that is not the same as heroism in the sense of the bravery exhibited in the theatre of war, or someone risking their own life to save another.
I do think he will appear as a hero to all those who have tried very hard to lift British tennis to world class status though.
I have never been to Dunblane but I understand it is a small town and especially after the massacre, probably has a strong sense of community, so I expect people will turn out to greet him.
I think if he came from the Northumberland village where I live, I probably would!

Andy Murray was born in Dunblane - that's all, and grandparents still live there. He is champion in his sport - that's all.

I haven't belittled his sporting achievements - I just don't think they justify the term 'hero'. Not his fault, but nearly every commentator uses it.

Well he did overcome a terrible trauma didn't he?
All the children and staff who survived the slaughter in the Dunblane classroom in 1996 and have gone on to make a life for themselves are heroes to me.

I think we've debated the use of the word 'hero' before when David Walliams was swimming the Thames. It is a much-abused word - a handy shorthand in headlines for members of the armed forces some of whom are and many of whom are not, strictly speaking, 'heroes'. And, no, Andy is a fine tennis player but I think he himself would be embarrassed to be described as a 'hero'.

I agree with Jane. It does take a very special determination to succeed in his world and I don't think any one could do it for the money, it is much more than that. The dedication and determination and all the things one has to forego to reach such heights IMO should be greatly admired.

I agree with the above and no doubt his efforts will be rewarded in the New Year Honours.

I repeat - I didn't say he shouldn't be admired - just that I don't see him as a hero!!
Was he personally involved in the Dunblane massacre - he would have been too old to be in the infant class? Is surviving a tragedy enough to make someone a hero? If so, my grandchildren are heroes because they were good friends with Megan and Josie Russell. I don't know the life histories of all the children in the infant class at Dunblane, so I cannot say whether or not they have gone on to make good lives.

We have had this discussion before in respect of David Walliams and had to accept that the term 'Hero' has become somewhat debased from its purest meaning. If you think of the common usages of 'He's my hero' or 'sporting heroes' implying someone to look up to or emulate then I think Andy Murray is as entitled to that accolade as any of our other Olympians. I certainly believe you have to be pretty brave to go out alone onto a court and spend up to 5 hours putting your skills to the test, subject to the scrutiny of thousands of spectators and the world's media.

Greatnan - Yes I think most of Dunblane will turn out today for their 'local hero'. You have no reason to know this but Andy and every other resident of Dunblane has overcome 'terrible trauma'. Andy was a schoolboy in Dunblane Primary at the time of the massacre there. You cannot imagine the effect that had on the community where everyone knew some of the children who were killed or injured. The people of Dunblane will never forget or wholly recover from this massive tragedy but their support for Andy Murray has given them something to be proud of, has put Dunblane in the news again - this time for good reasons.

Perhaps we just have to accept that the use of our language changes over time and that hero now has a wider meaning.

He was eight and Jamie was ten at the time of the massacre and Hamilton was well known to the family. It is clearly a very painful memory.

www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/jun/05/tennis.scotland

I found a Guardian article on google which says he was eight when it happened and had to hide under a desk, but he remembers little about it.
His mother used to give Hamilton (the murderer) lifts. Perhaps he was traumatised at the time, but no doubt all the children were given counselling. At my grandchildren's school, only a few were badly affected - children seem to be pretty resilient.

Our posts appear to have been almost simultaneous, Greatnan.

Great minds, Anno......

Sorry I took so long to type my post and have cross posted with many others. I still cannot think of the Dunblane massacre without getting very upset. The thing that sticks in my mind most was that you could not buy a sympathy card or get well card suitable for a child for miles around. I got the last ones in Alloa 14 miles away.

I am with Greatnan on this I would like to keep the word "hero" for those who do something of special bravery or sacrifice, however I have just found that dictionary definitions don't quite point to this. Yes Murray is a splendid athlete and deserves recognition, he is determined, probably a tad obsessive but he wins matches for his own satisfaction not for the benefit of others.

If we use "hero" for sporting high acheivers what do we call those who do acts of extreme bravery and risk their lives to help others. Any suggestions?

Granny23 - I appreciate your post and I am sure that many people in Dunblane will take the opportunity to rejoice together.

I am not gong to comment on the use of the word hero after the last time we had a discussion about it. However, I do think it is quite funny how the media talks about how we are all so proud of Andy Murray (Olympians, Paralympians, Bradley Wiggins, insert sports people of your choice). I don't know what you contributed to their sporting victories but I didn't even watch them so I'm not at all clear why I am supposed to take pride in them.

No. Not a hero. A champion.

And he's definitely getting quite gorgeous.

I know nothing about sport or athletes but I do know they are not heroes. There are so many more that are deserving of the title. Don't they get paid generously for what they do ?

I suppose he might be a young person's "hero". Maybe a young wannabe tennis star. But that's a different usage of the word than is meant here.

JO4 not gorgeous! Its a good thing we don't all like the same types as there would be too much competition. Fedderer on the other hand......................

this?

or this

Honestly?

Do not call me a cradle snatcher!!!