Is Murray a hero?

I think he has worked very hard to achieve his success and that is admirable but if I had to choose who to sit next to in the pub it wouldn't be Andy I'm afraid. There would be no contest for me - it would be Federer every time!

Greatnan ...thought you were my mate...

I shall report you to Mr. Soop!

Butty seeing as you asked so nicely, I'll think about it.

He is invariably good with the children who ask for his autograph at Wimbledon. So is Djokovic - both good lads.

He is on the news now - smiling and chatting to the many people who have turned out to support him. Good for them and him (I still wouldn't use the term hero).

How about we do a deal, soop - you can keep Federer and Rafa - I'll have Andy!
No, not a hero, but a very talented young man who will no doubt inspire other youngsters. Good for him!

I can't choose between Federer, Andy and Rafa...so I'll have all three.
I do think Andy's smile is gorgeous. And no, not heroes, but hugely inspiring champions, deserving of admiration.

To get back to the original thread. I don't consider him to be hero, he is famous sportsman. Remember Boris Becker? We in Germany see and hear a lot about him and his life since he won all those tournaments has not made such good reading in the papers. I hope for Murray's sake that he can hold on to some basic common sense and not regard himself as a hero. Life afterwards can be hard although the money must help.

What way? Does it have to be sex? I can still appreciate a beautiful man. I would hope I will always be able to.

Neither - I don't think of young men in that way! (Actually, I don't think of any men in that way any more. Now, when Gregory Peck was young...,)

(suit yourself!)

Why not, J?

this?

or this

Honestly?

Do not call me a cradle snatcher!!!

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......................

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.

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 ?

No. Not a hero. A champion.

And he's definitely getting quite gorgeous.

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.

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

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?

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.

Great minds, Anno......

Our posts appear to have been almost simultaneous, Greatnan.

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.