May 18

Born in Dorpat (now Tartu) in 1806, Lionel Kieseritzky moved to Paris and became one of the leading chess players of his time. He organized some of the first international tournaments and published influential chess analyses. The "Immortal Game," played in 1851 against Adolf Anderssen, remains a celebrated example of daring sacrificial play. Kieseritzky also explored various gambits, including the eponymous Kieseritzky Gambit. Despite his chess prowess, he faced financial hardships and died in 1853. His legacy lives on through his games and theoretical contributions to chess strategy.

Ōnishiki Daigorō was a celebrated Japanese sumo wrestler who achieved the sport's highest honor. Born in 1883, he brought strength and agility to the dohyo during the early 20th century. He rose through the ranks to become the 28th yokozuna, an accolade reserved for the most elite rikishi. Throughout his career, Ōnishiki demonstrated technical skill and strategic prowess in the ring. His achievements earned him widespread respect among peers and fans alike. Ōnishiki's legacy endures in sumo history as a symbol of dedication and excellence.

Hal Chase was one of the early stars of Major League Baseball in the early 20th century. Born in 1883, he quickly gained a reputation as a skilled first baseman with impressive fielding ability. Chase played for several teams, earning praise for his power at the plate and defensive range. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into managing, bringing his on-field experience to coaching. His career was marked by both remarkable talent and controversial allegations that keep his legacy debated. Chase's influence on the game persists as historians examine the complexities of his contributions. He passed away in 1947, leaving behind a multifaceted story in baseball history.

Maurice Tate was a celebrated English cricketer who dominated the sport in the 1920s. Born in Sussex in 1895, he debuted for England in 1924 and quickly made an impact. Tate's smooth fast-medium bowling and adept batting made him a valuable all-rounder. His consistent performances played a key role in England's Ashes victories. He captained Sussex for many seasons, contributing both leadership and performance. After retiring, he remained involved in cricket through coaching and mentorship. Tate's achievements continue to inspire cricketers around the world.

Ernie Davis was a groundbreaking American football player celebrated for his collegiate achievements. Born in 1939 in Pennsylvania, he starred as a halfback for Syracuse University. In 1961, Davis became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. His combination of speed, power, and elusiveness made him a standout athlete on the field. Davis was drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns but never played professionally due to leukemia. His tragic death in 1963 at age 23 cut short a promising career. Ernie Davis remains a symbol of talent and perseverance in American sports history.

Born in 1911 in Riverdale, Illinois, Robinson captured the world's attention at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics by winning the inaugural women's 100m event. After surviving a near-fatal plane crash in 1931, she made a remarkable comeback to win silver in the 4×100m relay at the 1936 Berlin Games. Her resilience and sportsmanship inspired countless athletes and advanced women's track and field. Robinson's graceful running style and pioneering achievements helped pave the way for future generations of female competitors. Beyond her Olympic success, she worked in banking and remained a passionate advocate for athletics. Her legacy embodies courage, perseverance, and excellence in sports.

Born David Smith in 1962 in Golborne, England, he rose to fame in the World Wrestling Federation during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Adopting the moniker 'The British Bulldog,' Smith showcased a powerful, dynamic style that captivated audiences. He formed the legendary tag team 'The British Bulldogs' with Dynamite Kid, capturing multiple championships. His performance at SummerSlam 1992 is hailed as one of wrestling's most iconic matches. Outside the ring, he was admired for his dedication to strength sports and community engagement. Though his life was cut short, Smith's legacy endures as a wrestling icon and beloved performer.

Lothar Schmid was born in Leipzig in 1928 and earned the grandmaster title in 1957. He won the West German Chess Championship twice, in 1953 and 1959, and represented Germany in multiple Chess Olympiads. An accomplished arbiter, he presided over the 1972 World Championship match in Reykjavik. Schmid was also a noted collector of rare chess books and memorabilia, amassing one of the largest private libraries. He remained active in the chess community until his death in 2013, remembered for his contributions to both competitive play and chess culture.

Kaiketsu Masateru was born Masateru Fukuchi in 1948 in Kagoshima, Japan, and made his professional sumo debut in 1966. He rose steadily through the ranks, reaching the second-highest rank of ōzeki in 1975. During his career, he captured two top-division yūshō and earned multiple kinboshi for defeating yokozuna. After retiring in 1978, he became a coach and later the head of the Hanaregoma stable, mentoring future champions. Kaiketsu also served as a member of the Japan Sumo Association, influencing the sport’s administration until his death in 2014.

Jim Brown dominated the NFL as a fullback for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965, leading the league in rushing yards eight times and earning nine Pro Bowl selections. After retiring at the peak of his career, he pursued acting, appearing in films like 'The Dirty Dozen' and paving the way for future athletes in Hollywood. Brown also founded the Negro Industrial Economic Union to combat poverty and organized civil rights marches alongside Martin Luther King Jr. His work in community empowerment earned him recognition beyond sports. Widely regarded as one of the greatest football players ever, Brown passed away in 2023, leaving an indelible mark on sports and society.

Tony O'Reilly rose to fame as a centre for the Irish national rugby union team in the 1950s and 1960s. He captained Ireland to multiple Five Nations Championship victories, earning acclaim for his skill and leadership. After retiring from sports, he transitioned into business and acquired Independent News & Media, becoming its CEO. Under his stewardship, the company expanded into Europe and Australasia, transforming it into a major media conglomerate. He also chaired Heinz's European operations, playing a key role in international food industry strategies. Philanthropically, he supported educational and cultural initiatives in Ireland and abroad. He was knighted for his contributions to both sport and business.