Covering a range of competitions and eras, this exploration of northern England athletes provides insight into the worlds of different sports. Beginning with the idea of sport heroism in relation to the key regions and cultures in the north, it places the participants, including black and female heroes, in their social contexts - in relation to the classes, communities and gender groups that spawned them. Noted athletes include William Sudell, Lilly Farr, Jackie Milburn, Billy Boston, Beryl Burton, Joe Brown and John Conteh. AUTHORS: Dave Russell is a scholar of the history of English popular culture and the author of the Encyclopedia of British Football. Stephen Wagg is a professor of sport and society.