Your Turn: Any other Sportsmen?

CNNSI.com users give alternative Sportsman picks

The U.S. women's soccer team was Sports Illustrated's choice for 1999 Sportswomen of the Year. But what if the World Cup hadn't been played this year? Tell us who you think would have deserved the award. See what some fellow CNNSI.com users said below:

Lance Armstrong. Not only did Armstrong's performance capture the attention of the sports world, (even us casual biking followers), but millions of non-sports fans were drawn to this drama of an individual triumphing over the most deadly opponent. Armstrong's courage, perseverance and determination were a testimony to the true definition of a sportsman ... to compete and give your all; that he won the tour de France was just the icing on the cake.
-- Mike Worden, Honeoye Falls, N.Y.

Pedro Martinez. For his exceptional pitching performance in an era that will go down in history as a hitter's era. Pedro comparatively had one of the most dominant seasons of any athlete, ever. And he seems to be a nice guy too. It's refreshing to see a millionaire have fun while earning his pay.
-- Joey Wilson, Westland, Mich.

Is there anyone shining brighter in all of sport than Tiger Woods? I think not. Not only has he elevated his game to a realm with which no one is familiar, he carries himself in a way that should remind you of Gretzky, Jordan, Payton and Nicklaus. Tiger embodies "Sportsman."
-- John Storck, New York

If the award can be given to a whole team, then it should go to the Pirates of East Carolina University. They went through one of the most trying experiences of any team in recent memory and not only did they survive under such adverse circumstances, but they inspired a community not to give up hope.
-- Jeremy Barron, Frostburg, Md.

It would seem pretty clear to me that the Sportsman of the Year is John Elway. To walk out on top like he did ... nobody stopped higher atop the mountain in '99 than No. 7.
-- Thomas Day, University Park

I believe Sean Elliot should be the Sportman of the Year. Who knew how bad his medical problems really were during the NBA Finals? The man played through obvious pain, yet he never complained or sat out.
-- Jeremy Arthurs, Cincinnati

My sportsman of the year is Shawn Green. He was on a terrible team, offensively and defensively, but somehow, he was able to pull out great offensive numbers. He did everything you could hope for.
-- Joey Apatov, Merrick, N.Y.

Vince Carter. He single-handedly made basketball cool in Canada. He turned a nation of hockey fans into basketball fans with his athletic ability and personality off the court. Winning Rookie of the Year and bring respectability to a sorry franchise doesn't hurt either. Air Canada for Sportsman of the Year.
-- Neil Bodman, Mount Pearl, NF

Wayne Gretzky, at any point in his career, could stop the hockey world in its tracks -- especially when announcing his retirement. Not even Michael Jordan could do that. The reaction to Gretzky's retirement was so emotional it might take hockey a while to get over it.
-- Joe Ricciardi, Calgary, Alberta

My vote for Sportsman of the Year goes to Ron Dayne. He has handled himself with class and dignity, always putting the concept of team before individual accomplishment. Despite sitting out more than seven quarters because his team was blowing out the opposition, he never complained and supported Coach Alverez's decision. Kudos to a true student-athlete.
-- Mark Horbinski, Monroe, Wisc.

Payne Stewart is my Sportsman of the Year. The U.S. Open champ and member of the Ryder Cup team was someone who gave his all to his sport and his community. He was a caring, generous and charitable human being who will be missed.
-- Lance Hewitt, Helsinki, Finland

David Cone. His perfect game, after his arm troubles, was not only amazing, but inspiring. A perfect game is one of the rarest events in sports, and should be rewarded. Plus, he is a classy guy.
-- Mike Frohling, High Point, N.C.

Joe Torre deserves some recognition for being more than just a good manager or a good player. He is the kind of person that baseball needs more of. And this year, he worked through both personal and professional obstacles to once again lead his team to win the World Series.
-- Jeff Brewer, Atlanta

If it had not been for Derek Jeter, the Yankees would have met a much tougher combatant in the free-running Indians' batters -- and a much more rested Red Sox could then have denied New York another World Series opportunity. This didn't happen, and all because of this summer's driving force: Jeter.
-- Peter Christian Ulrich Inselmann, Copenhagen, Denmark

I think the Sportsman of the Year should be Walter Payton, and maybe throw in his son as first runner up. No one in the rest of the sports world had to go through what they did this year. And, even in the most difficult of times, the Payton family showed a lot of class. Payton's death made us realize that we not only lost a great football player, but also a wonderful person.
-- Tim Smith, Cleveland

Andre Agassi would be my pick for the Sportsman of the Year. He not only revived his floundering career in tennis, but did it in spectacular fashion, finishing No. 1 in the ATP rankings by year-end. He also helped, in a big way, revive the waning interest in pro tennis.
-- Dan Martelino, Manila, Philippines

Kurt Warner. After playing in about every football league there is, Warner is leading the St. Louis Rams to the best record in the NFC and might even end up as league MVP. Is there a better story of an underdog coming out of nowhere? Warner is a perfect example of what sports is all about -- hard work and never giving up.
-- Chris Juzwick, Pittsburgh

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