Inspirational Emma is pride of Britain

WHAT an achievement. What a performance. And what a fillip for our Covid-beleaguered nation.

Emma Raducanu’s sensational victory in the US Open tennis tournament was a unique and thrilling sporting triumph. But it was so much more besides.

The first qualifier ever to win any Grand Slam event, she polished off ten consecutive matches without losing a set or being pushed to a single tie-break.

Furthermore, this masterclass in focus and controlled aggression was delivered by a girl who only three months ago was sitting her A-levels.

Born in Canada to a Chinese mother and Romanian father, and brought to this country when she was two, Miss Raducanu is a sparkling advertisement for the rich diversity of 21st century Britain.

She showed the infinite possibilities that talent and application can unlock. Sporting success is not only inspirational, it can be transformational.

We saw spectacular medal hauls in the Olympics and Paralympics. The British athletes who made these achievements possible were representative of every conceivable race, colour, culture and creed – as were the legions of fans who cheered them on.

This country may not be perfect, but neither is it the spiteful, racist hellhole that some on the shrill Left like to make out.

Sadly, bigots exist in all societies. But in this one they are vastly outnumbered by the overwhelming decent majority who believe everyone deserves a fair deal.

Miss Raducanu made Britain proud and will doubtless go on to make us prouder still. And our shared delight in her fairytale success reminds us there is far more that unites us than divides us.