May 21

Born in 1874, Joseph Olivier emerged as one of France's pioneering rugby union players. He competed at the club level, helping to establish rugby's popularity across the country. Olivier was noted for his athleticism and skill on the field during rugby's formative years. His efforts paved the way for future generations of French rugby internationals. He passed away on May 21, 1901, leaving a legacy in French rugby history.

Born in 1873, Boulenger trained in fencing and competed in national and international tournaments. He represented France in major fencing competitions during the early 20th century. Alongside his sports career, he authored novels and essays exploring social themes. Boulenger's dual talents made him a notable figure in both French sports and literary circles. He died on May 21, 1932, remembered for his unique blend of athleticism and writing.

Billy Minter was an English professional footballer known for his skillful play and goal-scoring abilities. He made a significant impact on the field during the early 1900s. After retiring as a player, he became a respected football manager, leading teams with strategic insight. His contributions helped shape the development of professional football in England. Minter's dedication to the sport was evident throughout his career. He passed away on May 21, 1940.

Alejandro de Tomaso (1928-2003) was an Argentinian-Italian race car driver turned industrialist. He competed in European racing events during the 1950s before establishing the De Tomaso car company in Modena in 1959. Under his leadership, De Tomaso produced iconic sports cars such as the Mangusta and Pantera. He merged Italian design with innovative engineering, earning a place in automotive history. De Tomaso's vision influenced performance car manufacturing for decades.

Spencer Clark (1987–2006) was a talented American race car driver known for his success in the ARCA Re/Max Series at a young age. He claimed a victory at just 18 years old, becoming one of the youngest drivers to win in the series. Clark began racing go-karts in his childhood, quickly advancing through regional stock car divisions. His aggressive driving style and natural skill marked him as a rising star in professional motorsports. Tragically, his career was cut short by a fatal road accident following a race event. Clark's brief but impactful career left an impression on the racing community.

Born in 1950 in Havana, Douglas Rodríguez became one of Cuba's top bantamweight boxers. He captured the gold medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, showcasing Cuba's rising prowess in boxing. Throughout his career, he won multiple national championships and represented his country on the world stage. Rodríguez's technical skill and resilience made him a role model for aspiring Cuban athletes. He passed away in 2012, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport he helped elevate.

Born in 1952, Bill Stewart played college football before embarking on a coaching career. He served as head coach of the West Virginia University Mountaineers in 2007–2009, achieving an Orange Bowl victory in 2008. Prior to that, he held assistant coaching positions at Kent State and other programs, earning a reputation as a skilled strategist. Stewart was admired for his dedication to player development and his passion for the game. He died unexpectedly in 2012, leaving behind a respected coaching legacy.

Born in 1923, Cot Deal debuted in the majors with the Chicago Cubs in 1947 before pitching for Boston and New York. After his playing days, he transitioned into coaching and scouting, impacting baseball at multiple levels. Deal spent decades developing pitchers in the minor leagues and later in the majors with the New York Mets. Known for his mentorship and attention to mechanics, he became a respected figure in baseball circles. He passed away in 2013, leaving a legacy as both player and coach.

Johnny Gray was born in 1926 and became a professional baseball player in the United States. He competed in various leagues during the mid-20th century, earning recognition for his athletic talent. Gray was known among teammates for his work ethic and contributions on the field. Though details of his career are scarce, he remains a part of America's rich baseball history. He passed away in 2014, leaving behind his legacy as a dedicated sportsman.

Alireza Soleimani was born in 1956 and gained fame as one of Iran's leading freestyle wrestlers. He won multiple medals at Asian Games and World Wrestling Championships during the 1970s and 1980s. Soleimani was celebrated for his strength, technique, and pioneering achievements on the mat. He inspired future generations of Iranian wrestlers with his dedication and sportsmanship. Soleimani remained involved in wrestling as a coach and mentor until his passing in 2014.

Annarita Sidoti was born in 1969 and became one of Italy's most successful race walkers. She won bronze in the 10 km race walk at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. In 1997, Sidoti claimed the world championship title in the same event, thrilling home crowds in Rome. Her career included multiple European medals and national titles, showcasing her endurance and determination. Sidoti battled cancer after retiring and remained a beloved figure in Italian athletics until her death in 2015.

Fred Gladding was born in 1936 and made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers in 1961. He played as a relief pitcher for the Tigers and later the Houston Astros, recording 86 career saves. After retiring as a player in 1968, Gladding transitioned into coaching and scouting roles. He was respected for his baseball knowledge and mentorship of younger players. Gladding passed away in 2015, remembered for his contributions to professional baseball.