Whether it’s true or not it can’t be denied that Mansfield and the surrounding area has produced some brilliant sports stars.
Our area can boast a 1966 World Cup winner, a double Olympic gold medalist, an FA Cup winner and perhaps the most infamous Ashes cricketer of all time.
And of course there’s two other very notable swimmers who have done themselves and the area more than proud – and plenty more who have put our area on the map.
Let us know who your favourite local sports star is and why via our social media channels.
You can keep up with the latest sports news across the area, here.
17. Greg Owen
Mansfield's Greg Owen gained his European Tour card at the 1997 qualifying school and finished in the top 100 of the Order of Merit every year from 1998 to 2004. He then switched to playing mainly in America on the PGA Tour. Photo: Getty Images
18. Oliver Wilson
Mansfield's Oliver Wilson was a member of the 2008 Ryder Cup, but had to wait another six years for his first European Tour win, when he triumphed at the 2014 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Photo: Getty Images
19. Jason Ferguson
Jason Ferguson is the current chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association. He reached the World Snooker Championship on three occasions as a player and was for four seasons ranked in the world's top 32 players, reaching a peak position of 28. Photo: Alex Livesey
20. Ben and Tom Birchall
The brothers are Ten-time TT winners in 2013, 2015 (twice), 2016, 2017 (twice), 2018 (twice) and 2019 (twice) and absolute lap and race record holders set in 2018, 2017 and 2015 respectively. Photo: Mike Hewitt