March 24

Born in Canada, Burns became a standout lacrosse athlete in the early 20th century. He represented his country at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London and helped secure the gold medal for Canada. His skill and sportsmanship contributed to the growing popularity of lacrosse internationally. After his athletic career, he remained active in promoting the sport in Canada. He passed away in 1953, leaving a legacy as one of Canada’s early lacrosse champions.

Marcel Lalu emerged as a talented gymnast in France, demonstrating strong technique on apparatus such as the rings and parallel bars. He represented France at various international meets, showcasing the country’s growing gymnastics tradition. Beyond his athletic achievements, Lalu contributed to training programs for younger gymnasts. His dedication helped pave the way for future generations of French gymnasts. He remained involved in the sport until his passing in 1951.

Born in North Berwick, Scotland, Campbell showed extraordinary talent in golf from a young age. She won the British Ladies Amateur Championship three times before moving to the United States. There, she claimed the U.S. Women’s Amateur title in 1909, becoming the first woman to hold both championships. Her graceful swing and competitive spirit inspired female athletes worldwide. Campbell’s legacy endures as a pioneer in women’s golf until her death in 1945.

Born in Auburn, New York, Charles Daniels revolutionized competitive swimming at the turn of the 20th century. He won four gold medals across the 1904 and 1908 Olympics, setting multiple world records. Daniels introduced and popularized the American crawl stroke, dramatically improving race times. After retiring from competition, he taught and coached young swimmers, contributing to the sport's growth in the United States. Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1965, his legacy endures through the stroke he perfected.

Born in Wolverhampton, England, Albert Hill emigrated to Canada but competed for Great Britain in the 1920 Olympics. He claimed gold in both the 800m and 1500m races, setting Olympic records in the process. Hill's tactical racing and endurance made him one of the era's standout athletes. After retiring, he contributed to athletics as a coach and mentor, promoting middle-distance training methods. His Olympic triumphs remain a highlight of British track history.

George Sisler was born in 1893 in Ohio and debuted with the St. Louis Browns in 1915. Nicknamed 'Big Six', he led the American League in batting four times and recorded a .420 average in 1922, one of the highest in modern history. An outstanding first baseman, Sisler won two batting titles and established himself as a smooth fielder. After his playing career, he served as a scout and coach, shaping future generations of baseball talent. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939, his consistent performance set a standard for hitters. Sisler’s legacy endures as one of the greatest hitters of the early 20th century.

Eugène Martin was born in Paris in 1915 and developed a passion for motor racing at an early age. He raced sports cars and entered Formula One events in the early 1950s, often behind the wheel of Gordini and Talbot-Lago machines. Martin achieved notable finishes in sports car championships and Grand Prix races, earning respect in the European racing community. Beyond Formula One, he participated in endurance events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Known for his technical skill and fearless driving style, he contributed to the popularity of motor racing in post-war France. After retiring from competition, Martin remained involved in the automotive world as a team consultant. His career helped pave the way for future generations of French racers. He died in 2006, remembered for his passion and competitive spirit.

Vasily Smyslov was a Soviet and Russian chess grandmaster who became World Chess Champion in 1957. He defeated Mikhail Botvinnik in a closely contested match before narrowly losing the title in the 1958 rematch. Smyslov was celebrated for his harmonious positional style and exceptional endgame technique. He represented the USSR in numerous Chess Olympiads, helping secure multiple team victories. As an author, he wrote influential works on strategy and endgame play. His calm demeanor and scientific approach inspired generations of chess players. Smyslov remained an active competitor well into his eighties, cementing his enduring legacy.

William Porter was an American hurdler who rose to prominence at the 1948 London Olympics by capturing gold in the 110-meter hurdles and setting an Olympic record. Born in New Jersey, he excelled in track and field while attending university, earning multiple national titles. After his competitive career, he contributed to the sport as a coach and mentor to young athletes. Porter remained involved in athletics through clinics and speaking engagements. He passed away in 2000, leaving a legacy as one of America's finest hurdlers.

Alex Olmedo (19362020) emerged from Peru to become a dominant force in amateur tennis, capturing the Australian Championships and the U.S. National Championships in 1959. Representing the United States, he played a pivotal role in securing the Davis Cup that same year. Known for his powerful serves and graceful volleys, Olmedo combined athleticism with strategic court play. He later served as a coach and mentor, influencing the next generation of tennis talent with his international perspective and passion for the sport.

Larry Wilson (19382020) revolutionized the safety position with his aggressive blitzing and coverage skills. A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, he helped lead the St. Louis Cardinals to multiple division titles in the 1960s and ’70s. Wilson was among the first safeties to popularize the safety blitz, frequently disrupting opposing quarterbacks. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978 and later served as a coach and front-office executive, cementing his legacy in football history.

Born in Haina, Dominican Republic, Jesús Alou debuted with the San Francisco Giants in 1963 as part of the Alou baseball family. He finished second in the 1963 National League Rookie of the Year voting and became known for his consistent hitting and speed on the bases. Over 17 seasons, he played for five MLB teams and posted a career batting average of .286. After retiring in 1979, he served as a minor league coach and special assistant in baseball operations. Alou's enduring legacy includes being part of baseball's first all-brother outfield alongside his siblings Felipe and Matty. He passed away in 2023.