Few broadcasters achieve the status of National Icon.
John Snagg for the 'Boat Race', Max Robertson for Wimbledon, Brian Johnston and John Arlott as the voices of cricket, Peter O'Sullevan for horse racing, Eddie Waring and Bill McLaren for their iconic contributions to the 2 codes of Rugby, Kenneth Wolstenholme and John Motson for their very different approaches to association football, are among that few.
But transcending all of these great figures stands Murray Walker, the doyen of motor racing. For more than 50 years, Walker was the voice of motor sport and, in particular, of Formula One racing from the 1960s until into the 21st century. His enthusiasm was infectious. His partnerships with James Hunt and Martin Brundle worked wonderfully well. Even his occasional 'Murrayisms' added to the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of watching motor sport on television.
Despite experiencing the 1960s, '70s and '80s when so many drivers died, Murray never became blasé about such losses, frequently recalling both his sadness at the deaths and the brilliance of those generations; he was a man who truly loved his sport and all of those who risked their lives to partake in it. When drivers crashed, Murray felt it and his audience felt his anguish and grief. When the great Ayrton Senna crashed at Imola in 1994, Murray'ss fears for one of the greatest of all drivers were tangible and his ultimate grief at discovering that Senna had died was palpable. When his great commentary box partner and friend, James Hunt, died so unexpectedly in 1993, Murray was in tears. When Johnny Herbert won the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1995, Murray's pride and joy led to him being too emotional to continue his commentary.
Even after his retirement in 2001, Murray still made occasional appearances and every one was a joy. That he has now left us for good is sad but we should be buoyed by the knowledge that many of his old commentaries remain alive on film and will no doubt be broadcast from time to time. He is gone but far from forgotten.
Rest in Peace, Murray, greatest of all sports' broadcasters.
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