His glittering career was built on raw talent, a relentless training regime and a strictly controlled diet designed to keep him at the top of his game.
So after bowing out of professional tennis after 19 trophy-laden years, Sir Andy Murray had probably earned the right to treat himself to a few unhealthy snacks.
But when he was spotted at the Paris Olympics scoffing a chocolate-covered doughnut while watching the women’s gymnastics, the footage sparked a viral sensation with even his mother Judy joking about it.
Sir Andy tucked into a chocolate doughnut as he watched gymnastics at the Olympics
The jokey posts have already been viewed nearly two million times
Mrs Murray, 64, who coached her son in his early years, re-posted the clip and quipped: ‘When you can finally eat whatever you want…..’ followed by emojis of a doughnut and a pig.
The clip first appeared on American television with one eagle-eyed US sports reporter, Alison Mastrangelo, posting on X: ‘Who knew. @andy_murray just like all of us at home eating donuts and watching the women’s gymnastics so relatable #Olympics.’
Together, the posts have already been viewed nearly two million times. One person replying to the post, joked: ‘Just another Olympic ring for him.’
The tennis legend also shared sweets with his daughter as they enjoyed the Olympic Games in Paris
Murray was sitting with his daughter just in front of fellow tennis legend Billie Jean King, who was taking a photo on her phone as they watched American gymnast Simone Biles secure yet another gold medal in the women’s vault final on Saturday evening.
The International Tennis Federation posted a photo of the two greats of the game together with the caption: ‘Murray enjoying his retirement with @BillieJeanKing’, which prompted Mrs Murray to respond on X, saying: ‘Love this. My boy with my SHEro.’
Sir Andy, 37, and his doubles partner Dan Evans made a brave charge to the quarter finals in his quest for a final Olympic medal to add to his two individual golds from London and Rio. But after two gruelling victories, the pair crashed out 6-2, 6-4 to American pair Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.
Hours after his match on Thursday, Sir Andy delighted fans with his famous deadpan humour, joking on X: ‘Never even liked tennis anyway.’
Since calling it a day, he has remained in Paris to support the rest of Team GB – and was seen cheering on swimmer Duncan Scott in the pool on Friday night as he overtook Sir Chris Hoy’s medal haul to become Scotland’s most decorated Olympian.
On Sunday, he and seven-year-old daughter, Sophia, shared some hockey action – and a bag of sweets – as they watched Team GB women lose their final group game against Argentina 3-0, before Sir Andy headed down to the pitch to greet fellow Scot Sarah Robertson and present her with a bouquet of flowers.
The Scot, who is an avid collector of Olympic pin badges, has been scouring the Olympic village for new examples to add to his collection.
