May 10

Lothar Schmid was a German chess grandmaster and arbiter born in 1928 in Zwiesel. He won top prizes at major tournaments, including sharing second place at the 1953 Candidates Tournament. Schmid was best known as the chief arbiter for the 1972 Fischer-Spassky World Championship and other championship matches. He served as FIDE Vice President and contributed to the organization of international chess events. Schmid also published a celebrated collection of chess photographs and writings. He remained active in the chess world until his death in 2013.

Manuel Santana was born in Madrid, Spain, in 1938 and became one of the foremost tennis players of the 1960s. He won the French Open twice (1961 and 1964), the U.S. Open in 1965, and Wimbledon in 1966, becoming the first Spaniard to claim the All England title. Santana's elegant left-handed play and strategic acumen helped popularize tennis in Spain. After retiring, he served as Spain’s Davis Cup captain and worked as a coach and ambassador for the sport. His achievements inspired future Spanish greats and modern tennis stars. Santana's legacy continues as a pioneer of Spanish tennis excellence.

Jim Calhoun was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, in 1942 and played collegiate basketball before beginning his coaching career. He took over the University of Connecticut’s program in 1986 and transformed it into a national powerhouse. Under his leadership, UConn won three NCAA championships (1999, 2004, and 2011). Calhoun was known for his fiery coaching style and ability to recruit top talent. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005. Calhoun's legacy includes mentoring numerous NBA players and leaving a lasting impact on college basketball.

Kerry Hemsley is a former professional rugby league player from Australia who excelled as a prop-forward. He played prominently for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles from 1981 to 1986 and later for the Illawarra Steelers in 1987 and 1988. Hemsley was known for his physical strength, durable defense, and work ethic on the field. His contributions helped his teams reach several finals series during his career. After retirement, he remained involved in rugby league at the community level, mentoring young players and promoting the sport.

Merlene Ottey is one of the most decorated female sprinters in track and field history, with seven Olympic medals for Jamaica between 1980 and 2000. She won multiple World Championship titles and set several world records in the 100m and 200m events. In 2002, Ottey began competing for Slovenia, extending her remarkable career into her 40s. Known as the Queen of the Track, she combined graceful speed with competitive tenacity. Beyond her athletic achievements, Ottey has inspired generations of athletes with her longevity and dedication to the sport.

Robby Thompson is an American former professional baseball player who played second base for the San Francisco Giants from 1986 to 1996. A two-time All-Star, he was known for his reliable defense, solid hitting, and leadership on the field. After retiring as a player, Thompson served as a coach in the Giants organization and worked as a baseball instructor. He holds several Giants franchise records at second base and is remembered for his consistent performance during a decade-long career. Thompson's contributions to the sport extended off the field as he mentored younger players.

Born on 10 May 1965, Greg Fasala emerged as one of Australia's top freestyle sprinters in the 1980s. He was a key member of the 'Mean Machine' 4x100 metre freestyle relay, winning gold at the 1982 Brisbane and 1986 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games. Fasala also represented Australia at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, showcasing his explosive speed on the world stage. Known for his powerful starts and strong finishes, he helped elevate Australia's status in international swimming competitions. After retiring, he dedicated himself to coaching, mentoring a new generation of swimmers.

Born on 10 May 1965, Paul Langmack made his first-grade debut for South Sydney Rabbitohs at age 18. He captained New South Wales in the State of Origin series at just 21, becoming the youngest ever captain. Langmack won the 1988 NSWRL Premiership with Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. He went on to play over 300 first-grade games, showcasing consistency and leadership across multiple clubs. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, guiding teams like South Sydney Rabbitohs and mentoring young talent. His resilience was tested by serious injuries, but his passion for rugby league never wavered.

Born on 10 May 1966, Jonathan Edwards is widely regarded as one of the greatest triple jumpers in history. In 1995, he set the world record with an 18.29-metre jump, becoming the first man to clear 18 metres. Edwards won back-to-back World Championship titles in 1995 and 2001, dominating global competitions. At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, he captured the gold medal with a remarkable series of jumps. Known for his technical precision and explosive power, he raised the bar for his sport. After retiring, he became a respected athletics commentator and motivational speaker.

Born on 10 May 1967 in Invercargill, Eion Crossan became known for his powerful kicking as a rugby union fullback. He played over 70 matches for Southland, becoming a key figure in the province's rugby history. Crossan's long-range goal-kicking and defensive skills attracted interest from European clubs. He spent four seasons with Munster Rugby in Ireland, helping the team compete at the highest level. Known for his reliability under pressure, Crossan also featured for New Zealand A and the All Blacks Sevens. After retiring, he remained engaged in coaching and youth development in New Zealand.

Born Darren Matthews on 10 May 1968, he adopted the ring name William Regal for his professional wrestling career. Regal became renowned for his technical mastery and the aristocratic 'Lord Steven Regal' persona in WCW. He is a two-time WCW World Television Champion and two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion. In WWE, Regal served as General Manager of Raw and later as a commissioner and trainer for NXT. His mentorship has shaped the careers of many rising stars in the wrestling industry. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Regal remains a respected figure both in and out of the ring.

Born on 10 May 1969, Dennis Bergkamp became one of football's most elegant and creative forwards. He starred for Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal, where his vision and technique earned him cult status. Bergkamp helped Arsenal secure three Premier League titles and was instrumental in their unbeaten 'Invincibles' season. At Euro 2000, he scored one of the tournament's most famous goals in the semi-final against Argentina. He finished his career with over 300 club goals and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame. After retiring, Bergkamp took on coaching roles, nurturing the next generation of talent.