Teenage Sensations:  Maria Sharapova claimed the women's singles title at Wimbledon on Saturday, when she beat defending champion Serena Williams in the final. At the age of just 17, Sharapova's place in sporting history is secure. Here, we look at some of sport's greatest teenage stars.

PELE: The great Brazilian was 17 when he made he first appeared in the World Cup in Sweden in 1958. His performances stunned the world, the highlight being his hat-trick in the 5-2 final win over Sweden.

BORIS BECKER: At 17, Becker rewrote the record books when, unseeded, he came from nowhere to become the youngest player to win the men's singles title in 1985. He repeated the feat in 1986 and won a third title in 1989. He reached six Wimbledon finals in all.

IAN THORPE: The "Thorpedo" first made a splash when at the age of 15 he scooped four gold medals at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. He now has medals coming out of his ears, including three golds from the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. Holds world records in 200, 400 and 800 metres freestyle.

MARTINA HINGIS: Turned pro at the age of 14 and quickly became the dominant force of women's tennis in the late 1990s. In 1997, the year she turned 17, she won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open and lost in the final of the other Grand Slam, the French Open. Forced to retire through injury last year.

MIKE TYSON: Tyson established a fearsome reputation as a teenager, turning professional at 19 and winning three of his first four fights inside the first round. By the age of 20, he was the youngest heavyweight world champion of all time after beating Trevor Berbick.

NADIA COMANECI: The Romanian was 14 when she made gymnastics history at the Montreal Olympics in 1976 by recording perfect scores of 10 for her performances on the uneven bars and balance beam. She won three individual golds in all at the Montreal games and two more in Moscow in 1980.

MICHELLE WIE: The current big thing in golf, Wie is just 14 and has already competed - and held her own - against professionals in both the women's and men's games. A long hitter in the mould of Tiger Woods, Wie this year became the youngest player to be selected to play in the Curtis Cup.

WAYNE ROONEY: The most-talked about man in England after his performances at Euro 2004. The 18-year-old Everton striker was outstanding in all of England's games until he broke his foot in the quarter-final loss to Portugal. Now said to have clubs clamouring for his services, with a £50 million price tag on his head.