Sports Hero of the decade

Martina Navratilova is one of the great sports figures of the century. Having emerged from the shadow of Chris Evert's frills in the late 1970s, she turned the 1980s into a decade-long demonstration of her prowess, winning six Wimbledon championships in a row (a career total of nine), four US Open championships, two French Opens and three Australian Opens. In 1983 she won 86 out of 87 matches she played. Through it all she remained committed to doubles play. A fine exponent of the volley, she won 31 doubles titles in grand slam tournaments and six mixed-doubles titles. Her courage expressed itself off the court as well where she was frank about her sexuality, despite pressure from sponsors.