January 20

Born Hidetaka Shirakawa in 1794, Ōnomatsu Midorinosuke rose through the ranks of Edo sumo with exceptional skill and power. Promoted to the rank of Yokozuna in 1828, he became sumo’s sixth grand champion and was celebrated for his powerful tachi-ai charge. His disciplined demeanor and athletic prowess set new standards for wrestlers of the era. After retiring, he served as a mentor and stablemaster, shaping the next generation of rikishi. He passed away on January 20, 1852, leaving a lasting imprint on sumo history.

Georg Lurich (1876–1920) was a celebrated Estonian-Russian athlete renowned for his wrestling mastery and spectacular strength exhibitions. He competed across Europe, winning numerous Greco-Roman wrestling titles and earning international acclaim. Lurich toured with circuses and athletic clubs, performing weightlifting and strongman feats that captivated audiences. He promoted physical fitness and healthy living, founding sports clubs in his native Estonia. Lurich's dynamic performances helped popularize organized sports and national pride among Estonians. Despite his untimely death at 43, his legacy endured through his students and the Lurich memorial competitions. He remains a symbol of strength and athleticism in Estonian sports history.

Henry "Ivo" Crapp (1872–1924) was a celebrated Australian rules football player turned umpire during the sport's formative years. He played for several clubs in the Victorian Football League, earning a reputation for skill and sportsmanship. After retiring as a player, Crapp became one of the game's first professional umpires, officiating over 300 matches. He helped codify and refine umpiring standards, improving the fairness and consistency of the sport. Crapp's deep knowledge of the game and authoritative presence earned him respect from players and fans alike. His contributions laid the groundwork for modern officiating practices in Australian football. He remains a revered figure in the history of the VFL/AFL and Australian sports.

Josh Gibson was a legendary American baseball catcher in the Negro leagues from the 1930s to the mid-1940s. Born in 1911 in Buena Vista, Georgia, he was raised in Pittsburgh, where his prodigious hitting talent emerged. He is credited with close to 800 career home runs in league and exhibition play, making him one of the sport's most feared sluggers. Nicknamed the 'Black Babe Ruth,' Gibson earned seven consecutive Negro league All-Star selections and led his teams to multiple championships. Despite segregation barring him from Major League Baseball, he was posthumously inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. His powerful swing and charismatic presence left a lasting legacy in baseball history.

Warren Bardsley was a left-handed opening batsman for the Australian national cricket team between 1909 and 1926. Born in 1882 in Cootamundra, New South Wales, he played 41 Test matches and scored over 3,000 international runs. Bardsley became the first player to score centuries in both innings of a Test match, showcasing his exceptional skill. Known for his graceful technique and consistency, he captained Australia in several Tests. After retiring from international cricket, he continued to contribute to the sport through coaching and mentorship until his passing in 1954.

Frederick George Root was a distinguished English cricketer who enjoyed a successful county career with Surrey from 1919 to 1935. Born in 1890, he took over 1,400 first-class wickets with his accurate fast-medium bowling. Root represented England in four Test matches during the 1920s, showcasing his skill at the highest level. After retiring as a player, he served as a respected umpire in first-class cricket, known for his impartiality. His contributions to the game spanned playing and officiating, leaving a legacy of sportsmanship and excellence.

Minanogawa Tōzō was the 34th Yokozuna in professional sumo, achieving the sport's highest rank in 1932. Born in 1903 in Shibata, Niigata Prefecture, he joined Takasago stable and competed at the top level for over a decade. Standing over 6 feet tall and weighing more than 150 kilograms, Minanogawa dominated many tournaments with his strength. He claimed multiple top division championships and was admired for his dignity and technique on the dohyo. After retiring in 1939, he served as a sumo coach and elder, contributing to the development of future rikishi. His legacy remains as one of sumo's most memorable champions from the Showa era.

Garrincha, born Manuel Francisco dos Santos in 1933, became one of football's greatest wingers. Renowned for his extraordinary dribbling and feints, he earned the nickname 'The Joy of the People'. He starred in Brazil’s World Cup-winning teams in 1958 and 1962, forming a memorable partnership with Pelé. Despite physical challenges, including a congenital leg deformity, his creativity on the wing inspired generations of players. After retiring, he faced personal struggles but remained a national icon until his death in 1983. His legacy endures in Brazil’s football culture and in stadiums named in his honor.

Johnny Weissmuller, born in 1904 in Illinois, dominated competitive swimming in the 1920s. He won five Olympic gold medals and set numerous world records, becoming one of the sport’s first international stars. After retiring from swimming, he transitioned to acting and starred as Tarzan in a series of popular films during the 1930s and 1940s. His rugged charm and athleticism defined the cinematic image of the jungle hero for decades. Beyond acting, Weissmuller was a pioneer in physical fitness and popularized swimming instruction across the United States. He passed away in 1984, leaving a dual legacy in sports and Hollywood entertainment.

Born in 1909 in Scotland, Matt Busby began his career as a player before taking on management roles.\nAs manager of Manchester United, he rebuilt the club after the 1958 Munich air disaster, leading them to multiple league titles.\nBusby’s emphasis on attacking football and youth development revolutionized the game.\nHe won the European Cup in 1968, making United the first English club to do so.\nHis influence on modern football tactics and club culture remains profound.

Born in 1919, Brown began racing in club events before entering Formula One.\nHe participated in multiple World Championship Grands Prix, driving for Cooper and Connaught teams.\nBrown scored points with consistent performances and was respected for his technical feedback.\nAfter retiring, he managed the Reg Parnell Racing team, shaping the careers of young drivers.\nHis contributions to early post-war motorsport advanced British racing endeavors.