From football stars to Formula One drivers, here are five sports legends who are from Norfolk. 

1. Nick Dempsey

Mulbarton-born sailing legend Nick Dempsey became the first man to win three Olympic medals in windsurfing after he won silver in the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

Raised in Peterborough, Dempsey also won silver in the 2012 London Olympics and the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Dereham Times: Olympic windsurfer Nick Dempsey visiting Dereham in 2016Olympic windsurfer Nick Dempsey visiting Dereham in 2016 (Image: Ian Burt)

2. Freddie Steward

The Dereham-born professional rugby union player has represented England on an international level.

He primarily plays fullback for Leicester Tigers in the Premiership but started his rugby career at Swaffham RFC and Holt RFC. 

Dereham Times: Steward studied at Norwich SchoolSteward studied at Norwich School (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

3. Lauren Hemp 

Lionesses legend Lauren Hemp was born in North Walsham. 

She played a starring role in England's sensational 8-0 Euro 2022 win against Norway and in the Women's World Cup campaign this year. 

She started playing for the boys' team at North Walsham around the age of eight or nine before entering Norwich City Girls' Centre of Excellence. 

Dereham Times: Norfolk-born England star Lauren Hemp spoke to the media ahead of the Lionesses' Euro 2022 quarter-final against SpainNorfolk-born England star Lauren Hemp spoke to the media ahead of the Lionesses' Euro 2022 quarter-final against Spain (Image: Kirsty O'Connor/PA Wire/PA Images)

4. Alfie Hewett

Wheelchair tennis star Alfie Hewett is from Cantley, near Reedham. 

The professional wheelchair tennis player is the former world number one and current world number one in doubles. 

READ MORE: Norfolk tennis star Hewett suffers Wimbledon agony

He was a student at Acle High School and went on to study Sport and Exercise Science at City College Norwich. 

Dereham Times: Wimbledon tennis champion Alfie Hewett training in NorfolkWimbledon tennis champion Alfie Hewett training in Norfolk (Image: Antony Kelly)

5. Martin Brundle 

Former racing driver Martin Brundle was born and has spent much of his life in King's Lynn.

The Sky Sports commentator began his career at just 12 years old competing in grass track racing in Pott Row, just outside of King's Lynn. 

He landed a coveted seat in Formula One in 1984 and was the 1988 World Sportscar Champion. 

Dereham Times: Former F1 driver and now Formula One commentator Martin BrundleFormer F1 driver and now Formula One commentator Martin Brundle