April 03

Born in Compton, Canada, Gaudaur became one of the leading scullers of his time. He claimed victory in the Diamond Challenge Sculls at the Henley Royal Regatta in 1890. He held the world professional sculling championship from 1896 to 1901. Gaudaur competed internationally, popularizing Canadian rowing on the global stage. After retiring, he served as a rowing official and mentor, and his legacy continues through competitions named in his honor.

Emil Kellenberger competed in the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, earning gold in the individual military rifle event and contributing to team medals. His precise marksmanship set international records and showcased Swiss shooting expertise. He participated in numerous national and world championships, consistently ranking among the top shooters of his era. Kellenberger dedicated himself to the promotion of sporting shooting and remained active in shooting clubs. His achievements helped popularize target shooting in Switzerland and inspired future generations of athletes.

Ōtori Tanigorō was born in Kumamoto Prefecture and rose through the ranks of professional sumo in the early 20th century. He achieved the sport’s highest honor, Yokozuna, in 1914, becoming the 24th champion. Known for his powerful tachi-ai (initial charge) and technical skill, he earned widespread respect in the sumo community. After retiring in 1925, Ōtori served as a stablemaster, nurturing future generations of wrestlers. His contributions helped shape modern sumo traditions. He passed away in 1956, remembered as one of the great yokozuna.

Born in 1897, Joe Kirkwood Sr. became one of Australia's youngest professional golfers at age 16. He achieved international success by winning the German Open in 1924 and finishing as runner-up at the 1926 British Open. After moving to the United States, he served as a head professional at prestigious golf clubs and thrilled audiences with his exhibition of skillful trick shots. Kirkwood's showmanship played a significant role in popularizing golf as a spectator sport during the interwar period. His influence endured through his pioneering contributions to golf performance and instruction.

Born in 1898, David Jack made headlines by transferring to Arsenal in 1921 for a then-record fee of £10,890. As an inside forward, he was instrumental in Arsenal's First Division titles in 1930 and 1931, and became the first player to score in an FA Cup final at Wembley. A key England international, Jack's skill and vision on the field earned him widespread acclaim. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to management with roles at Southend United and Sheffield United, applying innovative tactics. His impact on English football as both player and manager endures to this day.

Born April 3, 1911, in Poland, Stanisława Walasiewicz represented her country at the 1932 and 1936 Olympics, winning the 100 meters gold medal in Los Angeles in 1932. She set multiple world records in sprint distances and was a dominant force in women’s track and field. After World War II, she emigrated to the United States, continued competing, and later coached aspiring athletes. Known for her competitive spirit and longevity in the sport, Walasiewicz was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. She died in 1980 and is remembered as one of the greatest sprinters of her era.

Ray Getliffe was a Canadian ice hockey forward active in the NHL during the 1930s and 1940s. He spent his professional career with the Montreal Canadiens, earning a reputation for reliable scoring and unselfish team play. Getliffe appeared in multiple Stanley Cup playoff campaigns, contributing to his team’s competitive presence. His style of play combined skilled puck handling with speed on the ice. After retiring from hockey, he remained engaged with his local community and supported youth sports initiatives. He is remembered as a dedicated athlete who helped shape early professional ice hockey in Canada.

Cliff Gladwin was an accomplished English cricketer known for his skillful medium-pace bowling. He made his debut for Derbyshire in 1939 and was a mainstay of the county side for more than twenty years. Gladwin represented England in Test matches between 1947 and 1950, forming a formidable partnership with bowler Les Jackson. He finished his career with a tally of over a thousand first-class wickets and was admired for his precision and consistency. After retiring from playing, he contributed to cricket through coaching and mentoring young talent. Gladwin’s performances helped elevate Derbyshire’s standing in county cricket. He is remembered as one of England’s most reliable post-war bowlers.

Yoshibayama Junnosuke was born Junnosuke Yoshida in 1920 and rose through the sumo ranks to become the 43rd yokozuna in 1953. Known for his powerful thrusting attacks, he dominated tournaments in the early 1950s. He won multiple top division championships, earning a reputation as one of the era’s most formidable wrestlers. After retiring in 1958, Yoshibayama became a respected coach and mentor in the sumo community. He led his stable to produce several future champions and was praised for his dedication to training. Yoshibayama’s legacy endures as a pioneer of modern sumo technique and sportsmanship.

Yevhen Bulanchyk represented Ukraine and the Soviet Union in hurdling events in the 1940s and 1950s. He specialized in the 110-meter hurdles, earning national titles and setting regional records. Bulanchyk competed at European championships, facing top athletes from around the continent. His athleticism and speed made him one of Ukraine’s leading track stars of his generation. After retiring from competition, he coached young hurdlers and promoted athletics in his home region. Bulanchyk’s dedication to the sport inspired a new wave of Ukrainian track and field talent.

Alex Grammas was an American Major League Baseball infielder who played from 1954 to 1963. After his playing career, he served as a coach and managed the Cincinnati Reds during the mid-1970s. Grammas coached for several teams including the St. Louis Cardinals and Seattle Mariners, and was respected for his deep knowledge of the game. He was known as a steady defender and a mentor to younger players. Over his nearly 60-year involvement in professional baseball, Grammas earned a reputation for loyalty and baseball acumen.

Earl Lloyd was an American professional basketball player and coach who became the first African American to play in an NBA game in 1950. He debuted for the Washington Capitols just two days before other African American players, breaking the league's color barrier. Lloyd played ten seasons with the Capitols, Syracuse Nationals, and Detroit Pistons, and later spent many years as an assistant coach. He won an NBA championship with Syracuse in 1955, becoming the first black player to do so. Lloyd's pioneering role opened doors for countless athletes, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.