And now for something completely different…

I know this blog is normally about journalistic issues, but I thought I’d do something else for a change and join an ongoing debate about the sports icon of the noughties.

After Alfie Tolhurst set the ball rolling with his nomination of Ryan Giggs, a number of my coursemates have given their suggestions, so I thought I’d throw my hat into the ring.

So, without further delay, I present to you my nominee for the sporting icon of the decade…

Michael Schumacher

They say a sign of the very best sportsmen is not what they do on the field of play, but rather how much they are missed when they depart.

It is with such a maxim in mind that I present to you my entry to the sports icon of the decade poll, Hurth’s finest (sorry Ralf), Herr Michael Schumacher.

King of the Road

Since ‘Schumi’ retired from Formula 1 in 2006, the sport has seen three different drivers claim the crown, each with a different constructor.

Many argue that it is the quality of car which has contributed to world titles for Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, as two of these men won by extremely narrow margins and none have yet managed to retain their crown.

Consistency was no problem for Schumacher, however, as he relegated four different drivers into second place over his five year winning streak, taking the title by a margin as high as 58 in 2001.

Button/tapping

And when the German was in the driver’s seat, the sport was all about results and great performances.

Now this has given way to petty squabbling, spying scandals and budget controversies. It seems that without a milestone like Schumi against which decisions could be measured, F1 has lost its way.

Countless footballers and rugby players may claim their team suffered as a result of their departure, but to claim their sport went downhill? Only one man can do that.

We Germans aren’t all smiles and sunshine

But it would be unfair, not to mention stupid, to merely look at the post-Michael era when this article is meant to be about the man himself.

Of course the facts speak for themselves. In the years 2000-2006 Schumacher won five world titles, finishing second and third on the two occasions he missed out on the biggest prize.

And in 2004 he scored a remarkable 148 championship points, including an unprecedented 13 wins.

You can see how much it meant to the guy

This of course ignores completely the two world championships he won while with Benetton in the 90s, which helped contribute to a record 91 grands prix over the course of his career.

And while few in the business would blame Michael for remaining stoic and serious after his retirement, he has shown a lighter side and a willingness to have fun away from the wheel, as this final clip demonstrates.

So, who are the other contenders?

Usain Bolt

Zinedine Zidane

Roger Federer

Lance Armstrong

Ryan Giggs

Cristiano Ronaldo

David Beckham

Shane Warne

Adam Gilchrist

and this offering