Swedish shot putter and tug of war competitor
Swedish shot putter and tug of war competitor
Swedish athlete who competed in shot put and tug of war at the early Olympic Games.
August Nilsson was born in 1872 and represented Sweden at the 1900 Paris Olympics.
He competed in the shot put, showcasing his strength in field events.
Nilsson also took part in the tug of war competition, a unique Olympic discipline at the time.
He contributed to the popularity of organized sports in Sweden around the turn of the century.
Although he did not medal, his dual participation highlighted the versatility of early Olympians.
Nilsson's athletic career inspired future generations of Swedish field athletes.
He remained active in sports clubs and local competitions after his Olympic appearance.
1921
August Nilsson
tug of war
American baseball player
American baseball player
American Major League Baseball player known for his versatility as an outfielder and first baseman.
Gene Green (1933–1981) was an American professional baseball player who appeared in the Major Leagues during the 1950s and early 1960s.
He played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, and Detroit Tigers, demonstrating skill both at the plate and in the field.
Green was valued for his power hitting and ability to serve as a reliable pinch-hitter and utility player.
Over his career, he compiled a respectable batting record and contributed to team depth across multiple positions.
After retiring as a player, he remained involved in baseball, mentoring young athletes.
1981
Gene Green
Greek footballer
Greek footballer
Greek midfielder celebrated for his playmaking skills and for leading Panachaiki to its first UEFA Cup qualification.
Kostas Davourlis (1948–1992) was a dynamic Greek midfielder who became a legend at Panachaiki in the 1970s.
His vision and dribbling ability were pivotal in securing Panachaiki's maiden UEFA Cup qualification in 1974.
Born in Patras, he also represented the Greek national team, earning several caps and scoring key goals.
Davourlis later joined Olympiacos, where he contributed to domestic league and cup victories.
After retiring, he dedicated himself to coaching youth football, fostering new generations of talent.
His enduring legacy in Greek football is honored annually by fans and clubs in Patras.
1992
Kostas Davourlis
Canadian-American wrestler
Canadian-American wrestler
Canadian-American professional wrestler known for his high-flying Blue Blazer persona and dynamic in-ring style.
Born on May 7, 1965, in Calgary, Alberta, Owen Hart was a key member of the legendary Hart wrestling family.
He gained fame in WWF under the masked persona 'The Blue Blazer,' showcasing acrobatic maneuvers and comedic timing.
A multi-time Intercontinental and Tag Team Champion, he headlined numerous major events in the 1990s.
Hart was admired by fans for his athleticism, charisma, and dedication to entertaining audiences.
Tragically, he died during a stunt accident at the Over the Edge pay-per-view on May 23, 1999, prompting industry-wide safety reforms.
1999
Owen Hart
American golfer and journalist
American golfer and journalist
Legendary American golfer with a record 82 PGA Tour wins and multiple major championships.
Samuel Jackson Snead was born on May 27, 1912, in Ashwood, Virginia, and became one of golf's all-time greats.
He achieved a record 82 PGA Tour victories, including three Masters titles, a PGA Championship, and one Open Championship.
Known for his effortless, fluid swing and longevity, he won tournaments across five decades.
After retiring from competition, he worked as a golf instructor and columnist, promoting the sport worldwide.
Snead died on May 23, 2002, remembered for his skill, sportsmanship, and contributions to golf's popularity.
Sam Snead
Polish footballer and manager
Polish footballer and manager
Polish football coach who led the national team to Olympic gold and World Cup success in the 1970s.
Born on March 2, 1921, in Lwów, then Poland, Kazimierz Górski played football before transitioning to coaching.
As head coach of Poland's national team (1970–1976), he secured the gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Under his leadership, Poland achieved third place at the 1974 FIFA World Cup, marking the nation's finest performance.
He emphasized discipline, teamwork, and innovative tactics, earning him legendary status in Polish sports.
Górski died on May 23, 2006, remembered as a visionary manager and national hero.
Kazimierz Górski
Dominican-American baseball player
Dominican-American baseball player
Dominican-American Major League Baseball pitcher celebrated for his dominant 2000 season with the Houston Astros.
José Lima was born in 1972 in the Dominican Republic and signed with the Detroit Tigers in 1994. He made his MLB debut in 1994 and played for five teams over his career. In 2000, Lima won 21 games for the Houston Astros and became known for his energetic post-victory celebrations. A hard thrower with a lively personality, he captivated fans with both his pitching and showmanship. Lima also pitched for the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals. After stints in Japan and Mexico, he returned to Dominican winter league play. He died suddenly in 2010 at the age of 37, leaving a legacy as one of the era’s most colorful pitchers.
2010
José Lima
Spanish cyclist
Spanish cyclist
Spanish professional cyclist known for his climbing prowess in European road races.
Xavier Tondo was born in 1978 in Valls, Catalonia, and turned professional in 2004. He rode for teams such as Barbot-Siper, LA–MSS, and Movistar during his career. Tondo achieved notable results in stage races, including top-ten finishes in the Vuelta a Andalucía and the Volta ao Algarve. His specialty was mountainous terrain, where he excelled as a climbing domestique and occasional leader. Off the bike, he was admired for his humble demeanor and dedication to training. Tragically, Tondo died in 2011 at age 32 during a domestic accident while preparing for a training ride. His passing deeply affected the cycling community.
2011
Xavier Tondo
Dominican baseball player, coach, and scout
Dominican baseball player
coach
and scout
Dominican baseball scout and coach credited with discovering numerous Major League talents.
Epy Guerrero was born in 1942 in the Dominican Republic and began his baseball career as a player before transitioning to coaching and scouting. He worked for organizations including the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros over a career spanning five decades. Guerrero is credited with signing stars such as George Bell, Tony Fernández, and Manny Ramírez. His keen eye for talent and dedication to player development helped shape modern scouting practices. He mentored countless Latin American players and served as a bridge between his homeland and Major League Baseball. Guerrero’s influence is still felt in baseball academies across the Dominican Republic. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 70.
2013
Epy Guerrero
American basketball player
American basketball player
American NBA guard known for his scoring ability and dynamic play during the 1960s.
Born in 1941 in Paramount, California, Flynn Robinson excelled at college basketball before being drafted into the NBA in 1964. He played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Cincinnati Royals over a seven-season career. Robinson recorded a career-high 38 points in a single game in 1968 and was a key contributor to the early success of the Bucks franchise. Nicknamed 'Fly,' he was prized for his quick shooting and agility on the court. After retiring as a player, he remained active in coaching youth basketball and community programs. Robinson passed away in 2013 at the age of 72, remembered for his passion and sportsmanship.
Flynn Robinson
Indian cricketer
Indian cricketer
Indian cricketer who represented his country at the international level.
Born in 1921, he rose through the ranks of domestic Indian cricket.
He earned selection for the national team and appeared in international fixtures.
Known for his dedication and skill on the field, he competed against top cricketing nations.
He contributed significantly to his state team in domestic championships over a long career.
Remembered for his sportsmanship and passion for the game.
He passed away in 2014, leaving a legacy in Indian cricket.
Madhav Mantri
Japanese professional wrestler
Japanese professional wrestler
Japanese professional wrestler remembered for her talent and tragic passing.
Born in 1997, she debuted as a professional wrestler in her teens.
She competed in the World Wonder Ring Stardom promotion, earning acclaim for her athleticism.
Her dynamic persona and signature move, the Spider German Suplex, made her a fan favorite.
She appeared on the reality TV show "Terrace House," expanding her popularity beyond wrestling.
In 2020, she died by suicide at the age of 22 amid intense online harassment.
Her death sparked a national conversation on cyberbullying and mental health awareness in Japan.
2020
Hana Kimura