 |  | | Friday, 13 December, 2002, 12:42 GMT Who's had an impact on sport?
 Each weekend, BBC News Online profiles a figure who has had an impact on the previous week's news. Now we want to know who has left the greatest impression on you. |  | Newsmaker Poll of 200216 Dec: Choose between the 4 winners
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The Newsmaker profile, which has been running each week on BBC News Online for three years, sets out to take an original and thoughtful look at a character who has left a mark on the previous week. Who do you think has had the most impact? Today it's the turn of people from the world of sport. They are listed in alphabetical order, and you can read more about any of them by following links to the original profile. Vote at the bottom of the page. It wasn't, after all, England's year at the World Cup. Amid the disappointment and dejection, there was one person who gave fans cause for optimism - Rio Ferdinand. And it seems it's mostly thanks to his mum.
Sam Hammam, the man who helped Wimbledon FC into the big time, stayed in the headlines as he was accused of stirring up crowds at a Cardiff-Leeds game which saw riot police on the pitch. Hammam was unbowed.
Gary Lineker may have golden boots, but he seems to be not too bad at whatever he tries - panel shows, advertising, or expressing the nation's mixture of nerves and excitement at crunch moments. But his biggest test may be trying to save his beloved Leicester FC.
John McEnroe dates from those days when tennis giants stalked the earth. His autobiography shed new light on life on the circuit, but his former wife accused him of glossing over certain aspects, such as allegations of drug taking. The man who further endeared himself to television audiences took it all in his stride.
Through all of English cricket's recent dark years, Alec Stewart has been a constant presence, enthusiastically trying to gee the team up. Despite being accused of being involved in the match fixing allegations (he was cleared), and for years not quite living up to his promise as a batsmen, this year he became the most capped England player ever. In the middle of a miserable Ashes series, it may be some consolation to him.
First there was the battle of Holyfield's Ear. Then a press conference which turned into an impromptu brawl. And in the end, Lennox Lewis knocked Tyson off his perch. But what made Tyson, one of the greatest boxers ever, the man he is, and what gives him his rage?
This vote has now closed On Monday, pick from the four winners. | | Top UK stories now: Links to more UK stories are at the foot of the page. |
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