20/11/2004
NEWS STORY
Just a couple of years into the 21st century, TV viewers in Germany have voted Michael Schumacher the nation's greatest sportsman of the 20th century.
"I never would have expected an honour like this," said Schumacher, on being told of the award. It's a total surprise."
Runner-up was canoeist Birgit Fischer, with former tennis champion Steffi Graf third.
The poll, run by broadcaster ZDF, attracted over one-hundred thousand voting viewers.
Fourth was Franz Beckenbauer, captain of Germany's World Cup-winning team, with Boris Becker finishing fifth.