June 05

Born in 1870 in Bellevue, Switzerland, Bernard de Pourtalès was a pioneering sailor in the early days of Olympic competition. As helmsman of the yacht Lérina, he led his crew to victory in the 1–2 ton class at the Paris Games, earning one of Switzerland’s first Olympic gold medals. His skill at sea and sportsmanship helped raise the profile of competitive sailing across Europe. After the Games, he continued to be active in yacht clubs around Lake Geneva. He passed away in 1935, leaving behind a legacy as one of Switzerland’s earliest Olympic champions.

Born in 1884 in New York City, Frederick Lorz was a talented long-distance runner who competed in the early Olympic Games. At the 1904 St. Louis Olympics, he infamously hitched a ride in a car for part of the marathon course before re-entering the race, finishing first but subsequently being disqualified for cheating. Undeterred, Lorz returned to competition, winning the 1905 Boston Marathon and setting records in other endurance events. His rollercoaster career highlighted both the human desire for victory and the importance of fair play in sport. Lorz died unexpectedly in 1914, but his story lives on in Olympic lore.

Born in 1892, Jaan Kikkas became one of Estonia's pioneering weightlifters. He competed in both national and international competitions during the 1920s. His performances helped raise the profile of weightlifting in the newly independent Estonia. Kikkas set several national records and was celebrated for his strength and technique. After retiring from competition, he remained involved in sports until his death in 1944. His legacy endures in Estonian weightlifting history.

Eric Hollies was a right-arm leg-spin bowler who played first-class cricket for Worcestershire from 1932 to 1957. He took over 2,300 wickets in his career and was known for his accuracy and guile. In the Test arena, he is best remembered for dismissing Don Bradman for a duck in Bradman's final Test innings in 1948. Hollies played 10 Test matches for England and was an integral part of county cricket for over two decades. Off the field, he was respected for his sportsmanship and dedication to the game.

Sid Barnes was born in Annandale, Sydney, and made his Test debut for Australia in 1938. A flamboyant right-handed opener, he scored twin centuries against England in the 1946–47 Ashes series and set numerous batting records. Barnes was a key member of the 1948 Australian tour of England, known as the 'Invincibles' for going unbeaten on tour. He scored 234 runs in Adelaide's first Test of the 1946–47 series and maintained a high average throughout his career. Despite his talent, he had a tumultuous relationship with cricket authorities, leading to a premature end to his international career. After retiring, Barnes worked in business and remained a popular figure in cricketing circles until his death in 1973.

Eddie Joost debuted with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1938 and quickly became known for his exceptional fielding at shortstop. Over a 14-year major league career, he played for multiple teams including the St. Louis Browns and Boston Red Sox. Joost led American League shortstops in fielding percentage multiple times and was selected to the All-Star Game in 1948. After retiring as a player, he served as a coach and briefly managed the Kansas City Athletics in 1959. His strategic approach and mentorship helped shape several young players' careers. Joost passed away in 2011, remembered as one of baseball's finest defensive infielders.

Marion Motley was born in Leesburg, Georgia, and excelled in football at South Carolina State University. He joined the Cleveland Browns in the All-America Football Conference in 1946, breaking racial barriers alongside teammate Bill Willis. Motley's powerful running and blocking helped the Browns win multiple AAFC and NFL championships, and he led the league in rushing in 1950. A three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. Motley later worked as an assistant coach and community leader. He passed away in 1999, remembered as a trailblazer for black athletes in professional football.

Jorge Daponte (1923–1963) was an Argentinian racing driver who took part in three Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, debuting at the 1952 Belgian Grand Prix. Although he did not score championship points, Daponte was part of the pioneering wave of South American drivers in top-level motorsport. He also raced in non-championship sports car and endurance events across Europe. Daponte's presence helped raise the profile of Argentinian motorsport on the international stage. Tragically, he died in a road accident in 1963. His career paved the way for future Argentine talents such as Juan Manuel Fangio.

Art Donovan Jr. (1924–2013) was an American professional football player and beloved media personality. He played college football at Boston College before joining the NFL in 1950. Donovan became a dominant defensive tackle for the Baltimore Colts, earning five Pro Bowl selections and winning NFL Championships in 1958 and 1959. Known for his imposing size and strength, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. After retiring in 1962, Donovan became a popular radio and television commentator, famed for his wit and colorful storytelling. He authored memoirs recounting his experiences in the gridiron’s golden era and remained a cherished figure in American sports culture.

Born in 1934 in Iceland, Vilhjálmur Einarsson achieved international fame by winning a silver medal in the triple jump at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. His national record stood for decades and inspired future generations of Icelandic athletes. After retiring from competition, Einarsson became an educator and coach, nurturing young talent in track and field. Alongside his sports career, he developed a talent for painting and held exhibitions of his artwork. His multifaceted contributions to sport, art, and education made him a revered figure in Iceland until his death in 2019.

Born in 1938 in Magdeburg, East Germany, Karin Balzer specialized in the 80-meter and later 100-meter hurdles. She won the gold medal in the 80-meter hurdles at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, becoming one of Germany’s most celebrated track athletes. Balzer set several world records and claimed European titles throughout the 1960s. After retiring from competition, she coached future champions and promoted athletics in her home country. Her dedication to the sport earned her numerous awards and honors. Balzer’s athletic achievements left a lasting mark on track and field history until her death in 2019.

Born in 1938 in Victoria, Australia, Roy Higgins became one of the nation’s leading jockeys from the late 1950s through the early 1980s. He rode over 1,000 winners, including two Melbourne Cups and several Cox Plates. Known for his tactical intelligence and strong finishes, Higgins earned the nickname "The Professor". He was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame and received a Medal of the Order of Australia. After retiring, he mentored young riders and remained a respected figure in the racing community. Higgins’s legacy endures in Australia’s horse racing history until his death in 2014.