1927day.year

William Attewell

(1861 - 1927)

English cricketer

English cricketer
English cricketer who represented Nottinghamshire and England in the late 19th century.
William Attewell was a prominent English cricketer born in 1861. He played as a fast-medium bowler for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club from the 1880s to the early 1900s. Attewell appeared in ten Test matches for England between 1884 and 1893, taking 45 wickets. Known for his consistency and skill in swinging the ball, he was respected by teammates and opponents alike. After retiring from first-class cricket, Attewell became a respected umpire and coach, contributing to the development of the sport.
1927 William Attewell
1955day.year

Pierre Levegh

(1905 - 1955)

French race car driver

French race car driver
Pierre Levegh was a French racing driver who achieved success in Grand Prix and endurance races during the 1930s.
Pierre Eugène Levegh was born in 1905 and emerged as one of France's premier racing drivers in the pre-war era. He competed for top teams such as Mercedes-Benz and Talbot-Lago in European Grand Prix events. Levegh secured class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1938 and 1939, showcasing his skill in endurance racing. Known for his daring driving style and technical understanding, he earned respect among peers and fans alike. Tragically, during the 1955 Le Mans race, he was killed in a major crash that led to one of motorsport's deadliest disasters. His passion for speed and contributions to racing technology left a lasting legacy in motorsports history.
1955 Pierre Levegh
1976day.year

Jim Konstanty

(1917 - 1976)

American baseball player

American baseball player
American professional baseball pitcher who won the 1950 National League MVP award as a reliever for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Jim Konstanty was born in 1917 and made his Major League debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1944. Known for his masterful relief pitching, he became the first reliever to be named the National League Most Valuable Player in 1950. Konstanty played nine seasons in the majors, also appearing for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs. After retiring as a player in 1952, he scouted and coached in the minor leagues, passing on his expertise to younger players. His innovative approach to relief pitching left a lasting mark on baseball strategy.
1976 Jim Konstanty
2006day.year

Neroli Fairhall

(1944 - 2006)

New Zealand archer

New Zealand archer
New Zealand archer and Paralympic gold medalist, the first paraplegic athlete to compete in the Olympic Games.
Neroli Fairhall was a pioneering New Zealand archer who became the first paraplegic competitor in Olympic history at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Born in 1944, she was paralyzed from the waist down following a motorcycle accident in 1979 but continued to pursue her passion for archery. In the 1982 Commonwealth Games, she won gold in the women's individual event, showcasing her exceptional skill and determination. Fairhall's participation in the 1984 Olympics inspired athletes worldwide and advanced the profile of para-sports. She won multiple medals at World Archery Championships and dominated national competitions for years. Beyond her athletic achievements, Fairhall served as a mentor and advocate for athletes with disabilities. Her legacy endures in the inclusive spirit she brought to competitive sport.
2006 Neroli Fairhall
2008day.year

Ove Andersson

(1938 - 2008)

Swedish race car driver

Swedish race car driver
Swedish rally driver and motorsport manager who founded Toyota Team Europe.
Ove Andersson was a pioneering Swedish rally driver who achieved multiple national championships in the early 1960s. Born in 1938 in Mariestad, he won the Swedish Rally three consecutive times from 1962 to 1964. Andersson's driving prowess earned him a factory seat with Citroën before he transitioned to team management. In 1973, he founded Toyota Team Europe, building it into a dominant force in the World Rally Championship. Under his leadership, the team secured numerous victories and established Toyota as a global motorsport brand. Andersson later oversaw Toyota's Formula One activities, demonstrating his versatility as a manager and engineer. His contributions helped professionalize rallying and shaped modern motorsport governance. Andersson's legacy endures through the continued success of Toyota's racing programs.
2008 Ove Andersson
2012day.year

Teófilo Stevenson

(1952 - 2012)

Cuban boxer and engineer

Cuban boxer and engineer
Cuban heavyweight boxer who won three Olympic gold medals and became a national hero for his loyalty to amateur sport.
Teófilo Stevenson (1952–2012) was a Cuban heavyweight boxer celebrated for his power and Olympic dominance. He won gold medals in Munich (1972), Montreal (1976), and Moscow (1980), matching an unprecedented Olympic three-peat. Stevenson's refusal to turn professional underscored his commitment to amateur sport and loyalty to Cuba's political ideals. Known for his explosive right hand and graceful technique, he dominated opponents with both skill and strength. He studied engineering and later served in the Cuban military and sports administration. His achievements elevated Cuban boxing on the world stage, inspiring future generations of athletes. Stevenson died in 2012, remembered as one of the greatest amateur boxers in history.
Teófilo Stevenson
2013day.year

Miller Barber

(1931 - 2013)

American golfer

American golfer
American professional golfer known for his distinctive putting style and success on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour.
Miller Barber (1931–2013) was an American professional golfer famed for his aggressive putting and resilient play. He won 11 PGA Tour events and five senior major championships on the Champions Tour. Nicknamed 'High Putter' for holding the club unusually high, Barber's technique set him apart on the greens. His late-round comebacks and steady temperament earned him respect among peers and fans. Barber also recorded a record six victories in the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf with partner Charles Coody. He was inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport. Barber passed away in 2013 at the age of 82, leaving a legacy of perseverance and sportsmanship.
2013 Miller Barber
2013day.year

Kristiāns Pelšs

(1992 - 2013)

Latvian ice hockey player

Latvian ice hockey player
Latvian ice hockey forward drafted by the NHL who played in the Kontinental Hockey League and represented Latvia internationally.
Kristiāns Pelšs (1992–2013) was a Latvian ice hockey forward known for his skill and versatility on the ice. He was selected by the Dallas Stars in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft after impressive performances in youth tournaments. Pelšs played professionally for Dinamo Riga in the Kontinental Hockey League, showcasing his scoring touch. He also represented Latvia in international competitions, including the World Junior Championships. His talent and work ethic made him one of Latvia's most promising young players. Tragically, he died in a car accident in 2013 at the age of 20. His untimely death was mourned by the hockey community and his legacy continues to inspire young athletes in Latvia.
Kristiāns Pelšs
2015day.year

Ian McKechnie

(1941 - 2015)

Scottish footballer and manager

Scottish footballer and manager
Scottish football goalkeeper and coach, known for his time with Everton and Greenock Morton.
Ian McKechnie was a Scottish footballer born in 1941, celebrated for his goalkeeping skills and longevity in the sport. He began his professional career with Everton, becoming the club's first substitute to score a goal in 1963. McKechnie later played for clubs including Greenock Morton and Wigan Athletic, making over 400 league appearances. After retiring from playing, he contributed to football as a coach and mentor, sharing his expertise with younger goalkeepers. Known for his agility, shot-stopping ability, and sportsmanship, McKechnie left a lasting impact on Scottish and English football communities.
Ian McKechnie
2015day.year

Dusty Rhodes

(1945 - 2015)

American wrestler

American wrestler
American professional wrestler nicknamed 'The American Dream' for his charismatic persona.
Dusty Rhodes, born Virgil Riley Runnels Jr., was an influential American professional wrestler famed for his blue-collar appeal. He rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Known for his charismatic promos, he connected with fans as the plucky underdog from Texas. Rhodes played a pivotal role in the rise of modern wrestling, mentoring future stars and shaping the industry. His legacy endures in popular culture and through the continued success of his wrestling family.
Dusty Rhodes
2016day.year

Rudi Altig

(1937 - 2016)

German track and road racing cyclist

German track and road racing cyclist
German cyclist and former world road race champion known for his versatility on track and road.
Rudi Altig was a German professional cyclist renowned for his success in both track and road racing. He claimed the World Road Race Championship in 1966 and secured stage victories in the Tour de France and Vuelta a España. Altig also excelled on the track, winning multiple Six Days races with different partners. His aggressive racing style and sprinting prowess made him a formidable competitor throughout the 1960s. After retiring, he remained involved in cycling as a coach and commentator, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
2016 Rudi Altig
2024day.year

Majed Abu Maraheel

(1963 - 2024)

Palestinian long-distance runner and football player

Palestinian long-distance runner and football player
Palestinian athlete who excelled in long-distance running and football.
Majed Abu Maraheel was a multifaceted Palestinian athlete known for his achievements in long-distance running and football. He represented Palestine in regional athletics competitions, demonstrating endurance and competitive spirit. As a football player, he combined speed and stamina to become a key member of his club teams. His dual-sport career broke barriers and inspired young Palestinian athletes to pursue multiple disciplines. He is remembered for his dedication and versatility in promoting sports in his homeland.
Majed Abu Maraheel