Sport’s boundaries

Sport’s boundaries blurred by sheer prowess of all-round athletes
Published Date: 27 June 2009
By ROSS MALCOLM

Across Britain there is a rich history of talent crisscrossing betwixt the football pitch and the oval. In addition to the aforementioned Fry, Dennis Compton played in 78 Test matches for England in addition to turning out for Arsenal in 60 official games, earning 12 unofficial (ie war-time) appearances for England’s football side. Geoff Hurst, England’s World Cup-winning hero of 1966 turned out for Essex, while, in more modern times, England all-rounder Ian Botham made 11 appearances for Scunthorpe United between 1979 and 1984.

Golf too, has lured many a professional footballer to the links on their day off. Some, like former QPR, Blackburn and Coventry striker Roy Wegerle have made it as far the European Tour. Others, such as eight-time tennis Grand Slam winner Ivan Lendl have made it on to the pro circuit via a different sporting route.

But enough of these sporting greats. There are those out there who may think their lack of physical ability is made up for by their finely honed mental skills, such as those employed by current chess grandmaster Simen Agdestein. His other achievements include nine caps for Norway’s national football side before injury forced his retirement in 1992.

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