Top Five: Emerson Palmieri's five sporting idols

Anderson Silva

He's a Brazilian UFC champion who managed to defend his title ten times in a row. He's also had a few defeats but as a person he is very humble and wants to do well. He's a true champion because he recognises the times when his opponents are better than him. He's 41 years old but he's still fighting.

Michael Jordan

I didn't watch him play that much but I know a lot about his career. I've watched loads of his videos on YouTube. He's quite simply a legend; it's amazing what he won during his career. He's a role model not only in basketball but for sportspeople everywhere. I was young when he was playing but my older brother always spoke about him.

Ayrton Senna

I was born in August 1994, three months after the accident that cost Ayrton his life in Imola here in Italy. My mum has told me that my brother wanted me to be called Senna. I heard a lot about him growing up, watched a load of films and videos and read a book about him. For us Brazilians, he's the most important athlete there's ever been, an idol for everyone.

Michael Schumacher

I wasn't able to witness Senna's feats but I did see Schumacher. He was an immense driver but above all a great person. I watched so many of his victories and it's upsetting what's happening to him now. He was always a fighter and he still is now in the most difficult moment of his life.

Michael Phelps

He's a phenomenon. It's not a coincidence that he's gone down in the history books at the Olympic Games and it will be hard to match his haul of 20 gold medals. I like him because he once said that in order to improve you have to look at yourself and not other people. He broke all those records only ever challenging himself.