May 21

Arthur Carr was an English cricketer who played for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club from 1913 to 1936. He made his Test debut for England in 1920 and appeared in nine Test matches by 1924. A stylish and reliable right-handed batsman, Carr was renowned for his elegant strokeplay. He captained Nottinghamshire between 1927 and 1934, earning praise for his leadership and tactical acumen. Carr's achievements helped define county cricket during the interwar years.

Earl Averill was born in Snohomish, Washington, and made his Major League debut with the Cleveland Indians in 1929. Known for his powerful swing and consistent hitting, he posted a career batting average of .318 over 12 seasons. Averill earned six All-Star selections and led the league in RBIs twice, becoming one of the era's premier sluggers. He finished his career with stints on the Chicago Cubs and Boston Braves before retiring in 1941. In 1975, his achievements were recognized with induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His legacy endures as one of the greatest center fielders in baseball history.

American Major League Baseball pitcher for the Chicago White Sox in the 1930s. In 1938, he suffered a hunting accident that cost him his leg but made a remarkable comeback to professional baseball. His perseverance inspired the 1949 film The Stratton Story, starring Jimmy Stewart. After retiring as a player, he dedicated himself to coaching in the minor leagues and mentoring young athletes. He remains an enduring symbol of determination and resilience in sports history.

Specializing in the 100m and 200m sprints, he earned bronze medals in both events at the 1936 Olympics. His performances made him one of the Netherlands' most celebrated athletes of the era. After retiring from competition, he served as a police officer in his hometown of Utrecht. Despite the challenges of wartime Europe, his athletic achievements continued to inspire future generations. He passed away in 2002, remembered as a pioneering figure in Dutch track and field.

Ara Parseghian (1923–2017) was a prominent figure in collegiate football, both as a player and coach. After playing quarterback at Miami University, he served as head coach at Northwestern University before taking over at the University of Notre Dame in 1964. Under his leadership, Notre Dame won national titles in 1966 and 1973, ending a 15-year championship drought. Known for his strategic acumen and charismatic leadership, Parseghian compiled one of the highest winning percentages in college football. He later became a sports broadcaster and philanthropist, solidifying his legacy as a coaching legend.

Born in Auckland, Keith Davis made his All Blacks debut in 1951 and quickly became known for his fierce tackling. Over his career, he earned more than 20 test caps and contributed to memorable victories across the Southern Hemisphere. Off the field, Davis was celebrated for his humility and sportsmanship, mentoring younger teammates. After retiring, he remained active in rugby administration and community coaching. His legacy endures as one of New Zealand rugby’s most respected figures.

Inese Jaunzeme won gold in the javelin throw at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first Latvian woman to achieve this feat. After retiring from athletics, she graduated from medical school and trained as a surgeon in Riga. Jaunzeme balanced a dual career as both a celebrated athlete and a respected medical professional. She contributed to surgical techniques and mentored young doctors, earning numerous honors for her work. Her life story embodies excellence in both sport and medicine, inspiring future generations.

Yevgeny Minayev (1933–1993) represented the Soviet Union in international weightlifting competitions during the 1950s and 1960s. He captured a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics and earned silver medals in the 1956 Melbourne and 1964 Tokyo Games. Specializing in the middleweight category, he set multiple world records in the snatch and clean and jerk. His powerful technique and consistency made him a formidable competitor on the global stage. Minayev's successes contributed to the Soviet Union's dominance in weightlifting during the Cold War era. After retiring, he remained a respected figure in the sport for his achievements and sportsmanship.

Cox debuted as a third baseman in Major League Baseball in 1968 with the New York Yankees. He began his managerial career with the Toronto Blue Jays before achieving legendary status with the Atlanta Braves. Under his leadership, the Braves won the 1995 World Series and 14 consecutive division titles. Cox was named Manager of the Year four times and retired with over 2,500 career wins. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. His leadership and strategic acumen made him one of the most respected figures in baseball history.

Born in Riga in 1942 and raised in Australia, Konrads became a teenage swimming sensation. He set 12 world records across freestyle distances and won five gold medals at the 1960 Rome Olympics. His performance helped Australia dominate international swimming competitions in the early 1960s. After retiring from competition, he pursued a career in dentistry and sports administration. Konrads was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1986. He passed away in 2021, remembered as one of Australia’s greatest athletes.

Born in Hawaii in 1942, Ongais earned the nickname 'On-Gas' for his aggressive driving. He competed in the Indianapolis 500, Formula One, and various sports car series. Ongais was the first Hawaiian driver to race in IndyCar, making regular appearances at Indy. He achieved multiple podium finishes in the 24 Hours of Daytona and the Trans-Am Championship. After retiring, he remained involved in motorsport as a mentor and commentator. He died in 2022, leaving a legacy as one of America’s most daring racers.