March 23

Grantley Goulding emerged as a promising hurdler in England around the turn of the 20th century. Born in 1874, he specialized in events such as the 200 and 400 metre hurdles, showcasing remarkable speed and technique. Goulding competed in national championships and represented England in international meets. Though detailed records of his athletic achievements are limited, he was admired for his dedication to the sport. After retiring, he remained active in athletics circles before his death in 1947.

Lacey Hearn was an American sprinter who competed in national and international track and field events during the early 1900s. He represented the United States at major competitions and earned acclaim for his speed and agility. Hearn helped raise the profile of American athletics on the world stage during a formative period for modern sports. His dedication to training and competition exemplified the emerging spirit of Olympic-level athletics. After retiring from competition, he remained involved in the track and field community, inspiring future generations of sprinters.

Platt Adams was an American athlete renowned for his achievements in jumping events at national competitions during the early 20th century. He excelled in long jump and standing jump disciplines, earning recognition for his athletic talent. After his sports career, Adams transitioned to politics and served his community in public office. He applied the competitive spirit and discipline from athletics to his work as a public servant. Adams advocated for sports programs and civic initiatives throughout his life. His dual legacy highlights the intersection of athletic excellence and political leadership.

Frank Irons was an American track and field athlete specializing in the long jump. He competed at top national events and represented his country on the international stage. Irons achieved notable success with his exceptional leaping ability, contributing to the United States’ athletic reputation. After retiring from competition, he shared his expertise through coaching and mentorship roles. Irons helped shape the development of the long jump event and inspired future athletes. His legacy endures in the annals of American track and field history.

Arthur Grimsdell (1894–1963) was an English sportsman who excelled as both an international footballer and first-class cricketer. He captained the Tottenham Hotspur football club and led England at the international level during the 1920s. Known for his leadership, stamina, and tactical intelligence, Grimsdell made over 350 appearances for Spurs and earned 14 caps for England. In cricket, he played as a batsman for Middlesex County Cricket Club. His versatility across two major sports earned him widespread respect in British athletic circles. Grimsdell’s sporting achievements remain a testament to early 20th-century English sportsmanship.

Jerry Cornes was born in Exeter, England, in 1910 and rose to prominence as a middle-distance runner. He competed in the 1500 meters at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics and the 1936 Berlin Olympics. After his athletic career, Cornes joined the British colonial administration in Kenya, where he served as an officer and promoted sports among local communities. He later became a lecturer at Makerere University in Uganda, influencing sports education in East Africa. Cornes remained passionate about athletics, organizing events and mentoring young athletes. He died in 2001, remembered for both his sporting achievements and his contributions to colonial and educational spheres.

Born in England in 1912, Neil McCorkell debuted for Hampshire as a teenager and became captain after World War II. He played over 400 first-class matches as a reliable batsman and wicketkeeper. In 1952, he emigrated to South Africa where he coached school teams and nurtured young talent. His dedication to the sport spanned over five decades, influencing cricket on two continents. McCorkell lived to the age of 101, leaving a legacy as one of Hampshire’s most respected figures.

Born in Osaka in 1920, Kawakami debuted with the Tokyo Kyojin (now Yomiuri Giants) in 1938 at the age of 18. He quickly earned a reputation for his consistent hitting, capturing seven batting titles throughout his career. His smooth swing and disciplined approach at the plate earned him the nickname 'The God of Batting.' After retiring as a player in 1958, Kawakami became the Giants' manager in 1961 and orchestrated one of the most dominant dynasties in Japanese baseball history. Under his leadership, the Giants won nine consecutive Japan Series titles from 1965 to 1973. He was known for his strict training methods and emphasis on fundamentals. Kawakami was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978. He remained a respected figure in baseball until his death in 2013. His influence on the sport continues to be celebrated by fans and players alike.

Born in 1921 in Kingston upon Thames, Campbell was the son of famed speed record-holder Sir Malcolm Campbell. He inherited his father's passion for speed and set his first record on water in 1955. Over the next decade, Campbell broke eight world water speed records in his boats named Bluebird K7. He also pursued land speed records and, in 1964, became the first person to exceed 400 mph in the Bluebird CN7 car. His daring pursuits made him an international celebrity and symbol of British engineering prowess. In 1967, while attempting to set a new water speed record in Coniston Water, Campbell tragically died when his boat crashed at over 300 mph. His legacy is commemorated by the restoration projects on Bluebird K7 and annual memorial events. Campbell received the Segrave Trophy in 1964 for his record-breaking achievements. He remains a legendary figure in motorsport history.

Roger Bannister (1929–2018) was an English middle-distance runner renowned for being the first person to run a mile in under four minutes. He achieved this historic feat on May 6, 1954, at Oxford's Iffley Road Track. After retiring from athletics, Bannister trained as a neurologist and held academic positions in the UK. He balanced his sporting achievements with a successful medical career, earning respect in both fields. His breakthrough performance inspired generations of runners and had a lasting impact on the world of athletics.

Yevgeny Grishin (1931–2005) was a Soviet speed skater who dominated the sprint distances in the 1950s. He won four Olympic gold medals at the 1956 Cortina d'Ampezzo and 1960 Squaw Valley Games, setting world records in both the 500m and 1,000m events. Grishin was celebrated for his powerful technique and consistency on the ice. After retiring from competition, he coached future generations of skaters and helped develop the sport in the USSR. His achievements cemented his status as one of the greatest speed skaters of his era.