second for ellen

I voted, but I voted for Freddie.

I don't know how many people here play or played cricket as well as being a sailor. However I do. Maybe I can add a little objectivity to this debate:

Ellen's acheivements are monumental. In terms of mentalt strength and determination she is nothing short of incredible and her high profile does wonders for the sport.

Freddie Flintoff's acheivement should never be underestimated. Yes, the England team won the ashes but without Flintoff they would have lost. There is no other player in cricket who can run in and bowl at nearly 90mph and then pick up a bat and hit one of the greatest bowling attacks in the history of the game, all over the park. Add to this, he is one of the best slip fielders in the game. Beyond his sporting ability, he is a great sportsman and the way he acts both on and off the field should be a lesson to all aspiring sports people.

Both Ellen and Freddie have transcended their sport and both carry themselves in a manner which makes us proud of them as a nation. Whilst both are incredible people, Flintoff is the bigger personality and personally, I believe his acheivement is the greater. Which is why my vote went to him.

Actually footballers rarely win - not because football isn't popular, but because its so 'tribal'. For instance, Gerrard - a Liverpool player will struggle to get many votes from any London club supporters and probably didn't get a  single one from Manchester Utd fans. The exception is when England do really well - then the tribe instinct gets overtaken by the nationalistic fervour and they'll vote for the hero of the day  - Beckham, Owen etc.

I did.