January 27

Born in 1880, Nishinoumi Kajirō II began his professional sumo career at the turn of the century and rose steadily through the ranks. In 1916, he was promoted to yokozuna, becoming the 25th grand champion in sumo history. Renowned for his powerful thrusting attacks and expert belt techniques, he dominated the dohyo with skill and determination. After retiring from active competition, he served as an elder in the Japan Sumo Association, dedicating himself to training the next generation of wrestlers. His legacy endures in the annals of sumo as a model of athletic excellence and sportsmanship.

Born in 1888 in England, Thomas Sopwith was among the pioneers of organized ice hockey in Britain. He represented his country in the sport’s early international competitions, showcasing his athleticism on the ice. Beyond hockey, Sopwith developed a passion for flying during the early 20th century, taking to the skies as an aviator. His dual pursuits reflected a spirit of adventure and the willingness to explore new frontiers in both sport and aviation. Though less is documented about his flying career, his contributions to English ice hockey remain a part of sports history. He died in 1989, remembered for his versatile talents.

Born André René Roussimoff in 1946 in Coulommiers, France, he grew to over seven feet tall due to gigantism. As "André the Giant," he became one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling, touring globally with the WWF. His matches and larger-than-life persona captivated audiences, making him one of the sport’s first international stars. In film, he charmed viewers as Fezzik in the cult classic "The Princess Bride," showcasing his gentle side. Beyond performance, André’s size gave him both celebrity privileges and personal challenges related to health. He passed away in 1993, leaving a legacy as one of wrestling’s greatest legends and a beloved screen presence.

Yang Chuan-kwang was born in Pingtung, Taiwan in 1933 and showed early talent in multiple track and field events. He won the silver medal in the decathlon at the 1960 Rome Olympics, becoming Asia's first Olympic medalist in the event. Nicknamed 'The Iron Man' for his versatility, he also competed internationally in the long jump and hurdles. After retiring from competition, he coached future generations of Taiwanese athletes. His achievements inspired greater interest in athletics across Taiwan before his passing in 2007.

Greg Cook (1946–2012) was an American football quarterback who starred at the University of Cincinnati before being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals. In his rookie season in 1969, he threw for over 1,800 yards and set multiple NFL records for a first-year passer. A devastating shoulder injury ended his professional playing career after just one season. After football, he became a sportscaster and remained involved in the sport he loved. Cook's brief but brilliant on-field performance left a lasting legend among Bengals fans and football historians.

Rocky Bridges was born in 1927 and made his Major League Baseball debut in 1951. Over a decade-long career, he played for several teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Senators. Renowned for his agility, tenacity, and clubhouse humor, he became a fan favorite in every city he played. After retiring as a player, Bridges transitioned into coaching, mentoring young athletes in the minor leagues. His spirited approach to the game left a lasting impression on teammates and fans alike. He passed away on January 27, 2015, remembered for both skill and personality.

Larry Winters was born in 1956 and embarked on a professional wrestling career in the 1970s. He became known for his technical skill and hard-hitting style inside the squared circle. Winters wrestled in various promotions, engaging fans with his intensity and athleticism. After stepping out of the ring, he committed himself to training the next generation of wrestlers. His dedication to mentoring helped shape numerous careers in the sport. He passed away on January 27, 2015, remembered for both his in-ring talent and teaching.

Carlos Loyzaga was born in 1930 and emerged as one of the Philippines' greatest basketball players. He represented his country in international competitions, showcasing exceptional scoring ability and leadership. Loyzaga helped lead the national team to notable successes, including strong performances at the Asian Games. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to coaching, guiding both club and national squads. His contributions to the sport earned him recognition in the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame. He died on January 27, 2016, leaving a lasting impact on Philippine basketball.