March 10

Spencer Gore was an English athlete best known as the winner of the first Gentlemen's Singles title at Wimbledon in 1877. A talented sportsman, he also played first-class cricket for Surrey. Gore's elegant playing style and competitive spirit set standards for early lawn tennis. Beyond his sporting achievements, he remained active in London's sporting circles and helped popularize tennis as a modern game. His historic victory laid the groundwork for Wimbledon's enduring prestige.

Born in 1926 in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Marques Haynes became one of basketball’s most celebrated dribblers. He starred at Langston University before joining the Harlem Globetrotters in 1947, where his ball-handling skills and showmanship captivated audiences worldwide. Haynes played with the Globetrotters for over two decades, performing in exhibitions that helped popularize basketball internationally. After leaving the team, he founded the New York Nationals and continued to showcase his talents on barnstorming tours. Haynes was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998 in recognition of his impact on the sport and entertainment. He passed away in 2015, praised as a pioneer of basketball technique and performance.

Sándor Iharos was born on March 10, 1930, in Hungary and emerged as one of the world's top long-distance runners in the early 1950s. He set world records under coach Mihály Iglói in distances ranging from 1500 meters to 5000 meters between 1955 and 1956. Iharos broke Paavo Nurmi's long-standing 3000-meter world record and also held records in the two-mile and one-hour run. Despite his record-breaking performances, he faced challenges at major championships and missed out on an Olympic medal at the 1952 Helsinki Games. After retiring from competition, he contributed to athletics as a respected coach and mentor to young runners. His legacy endures in Hungary and the world of track and field as a pioneer in middle- and long-distance running.

Gergely Kulcsár was born on March 10, 1934, in Hungary and became one of the country's greatest javelin throwers. He won a bronze medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics, a silver in Tokyo 1964, and another bronze in Mexico City 1968. Kulcsár also secured multiple European Championship medals and set national records during his career. Known for his powerful technique and consistency, he remained competitive for over a decade at the highest levels of athletics. After retiring, he contributed to sports as a coach and mentor to young Hungarian throwers. Kulcsár's achievements helped to elevate Hungary's profile in track and field on the global stage.

Graham 'Polly' Farmer was born on March 10, 1935, in Western Australia and is regarded as one of Australian rules football's greatest players. He pioneered the use of handball as a strategic attacking tool, transforming the way the game was played. Farmer won four premierships as a player and two as a coach across his career in the West Australian Football League and Victorian Football League. He captained the Geelong Cats to victory in two consecutive grand finals in the early 1960s. Farmer later coached and mentored young players, leaving a lasting imprint on coaching methods. Inducted as a Legend in the Australian Football Hall of Fame, his legacy endures in modern football tactics.

Sam Hall was born on March 10, 1937, in the United States and excelled in competitive diving during his youth. He represented his state in national championships before embarking on a career in public service. Hall served multiple terms as a state legislator, focusing on veterans' affairs and public safety. Later in life, he took part in private security operations overseas as a mercenary in conflict zones. His diverse career path reflected a fearless approach to challenges both in athletic arenas and on the political and military fronts. Despite the controversies of his later work, Hall remained respected for his dedication to service until his death in 2014.

Ron Mix is a former American football offensive tackle who starred in the American Football League (AFL) during the 1960s. He earned nine AFL All-Star selections and was a key member of the San Diego Chargers' championship team. Nicknamed 'The Intellectual Assassin', he was known for his cerebral approach to the game and exceptional technique. Mix played college football at the University of Southern California before turning professional. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. After retiring, Mix pursued a career in law and became a practicing attorney. He has remained involved in football through broadcasting and charitable activities. His legacy endures as one of the AFL’s greatest linemen.

Irina Press was a Soviet track and field athlete who dominated women's hurdles and combined events in the early 1960s. She won the gold medal in the 80m hurdles at the 1960 Rome Olympics and set multiple world records in pentathlon. Press, along with her sister, elevated Soviet women’s athletics on the global stage with her versatile talents. Her achievements contributed to the growing prominence of women's track and field events. After retiring, she remained a respected figure in sports and inspired future generations of athletes. Press’s legacy endures in the record books and through her pioneering role in women’s sports.

LeRoy Ellis was a power forward/center who played in the NBA from 1962 to 1974. He began his professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers before playing for the Baltimore Bullets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Portland Trail Blazers. Ellis was known for his rebounding prowess and reliable inside scoring. He played a key role in the Philadelphia 76ers’ championship roster, contributing valuable minutes off the bench. Over his 12-season career, he averaged 9.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game across more than 1,000 appearances. After retiring as a player, Ellis remained involved in basketball through community coaching and youth programs. His longevity and consistency made him a respected veteran figure in the league. Ellis’s dedication to the game left a lasting impression on teammates and fans alike.

Curley Culp was an American football defensive tackle who starred in both the AFL and NFL over a career spanning more than a decade. He played college football at Colorado State before being drafted second overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1968. Culp earned multiple All-Pro selections and was instrumental in the Chiefs' victory in Super Bowl IV. He set the standard for the nose tackle position with his strength and leverage. After retiring following stints with the Houston Oilers and Detroit Lions, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. Culp's legacy endures as one of the greatest interior linemen in football history.

Jim Valvano was an American basketball player and coach renowned for his passion and optimism. After a playing career at Rutgers University, he took over as head coach of North Carolina State in 1980. Valvano led the Wolfpack to an improbable 1983 NCAA Tournament victory, securing one of the biggest upsets in college basketball history. Following coaching stints at North Carolina, he became an ESPN commentator and motivational speaker. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, he established The V Foundation for cancer research and delivered an iconic Don't give up speech at the first ESPY Awards. His legacy endures through his contributions to basketball and his inspirational fight against disease.

Austin Carr is a retired American basketball player celebrated for his explosive scoring and leaping ability. He dominated collegiate play at the University of Notre Dame, averaging over 34 points per game in his senior year. Selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1971, Carr quickly became a franchise icon, earning multiple All-Star selections. He set several Cavaliers' records, some of which still stand today. After hanging up his jersey, he transitioned into broadcasting as the team's television commentator and ambassador. Carr remains beloved in Cleveland for his on-court heroics and lasting connection with fans.