American-English racing driver
American-English racing driver
American-born British racing driver and record breaker. First person to hold both the land and water speed records simultaneously.
Henry O'May Segrave was born in 1896 in Baltimore, Maryland.
He moved to England in 1914 and joined the Royal Naval Air Service during World War I.
After the war, Segrave became a pioneering racing driver, winning the 1923 Italian Grand Prix.
He set multiple land speed records in the late 1920s, most notably at Daytona Beach.
In 1929, he broke the water speed record in Miss England II, making him the first to hold both records at once.
Segrave died in 1930 during a water speed attempt on Windermere, inspiring future generations of motor sport enthusiasts.
1930
Henry Segrave
Australian cricketer
Australian cricketer
Australian cricketer who represented Victoria and played in early Test matches for Australia.
Arthur Coningham was born in 1863 in Adelaide, South Australia.
He played as a right-handed batsman for Victoria in Australian first-class cricket during the 1880s.
Coningham appeared in three Test matches against England in 1885, scoring a total of 72 runs.
After retiring from cricket, he remained involved in sports and contributed to local athletic clubs.
He is remembered as one of the pioneers of Australian international cricket.
Coningham died in 1939, leaving a modest but notable cricketing legacy.
1939
Arthur Coningham
American high jumper and pole vaulter
American high jumper and pole vaulter
American track and field athlete who won Olympic medals in both high jump and pole vault.
Irving Baxter was born in 1876 in New York City. He excelled in track and field while attending Princeton University. At the 1900 Paris Olympics, he won gold medals in the high jump and pole vault, demonstrating exceptional athletic versatility. Baxter also claimed silver medals in the standing long jump and standing triple jump at the same Games. Known for his technical skill and competitive spirit, he helped popularize modern jumping events. After retiring from competition, he remained active in sports administration and coaching. His achievements contributed to early Olympic history and inspired future American athletes. Baxter passed away in 1957 at the age of 81.
1957
Irving Baxter
Canadian runner
Canadian runner
Legendary Canadian marathon runner, four-time winner of the Boston Marathon during the 1940s.
Gérard Côté was born in 1913 in Saint-Barnabé, Quebec, and became one of Canada's greatest long-distance runners. He won the Boston Marathon in 1940, 1943, 1944 and 1945, setting a new course record in 1944. Côté's consistent performances during World War II made him a national hero and an enduring symbol of endurance. After retiring from competition, he promoted athletics in his home province and organized local races. He was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame for his achievements. Côté's dedication and sportsmanship inspired generations of runners across Canada. He passed away in 1993, remembered as a pioneer in Canadian distance running.
1993
Gérard Côté
Norwegian ski jumper
Norwegian ski jumper
Norwegian ski jumper who won Olympic gold medals in 1932 and 1936 and claimed three World Championship titles.
Birger Ruud was a pioneering Norwegian ski jumper who dominated the sport in the early 1930s. He won Olympic gold in Lake Placid in 1932 and in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in 1936. He also secured World Championship titles in 1931, 1935, and 1937. His career was interrupted by World War II, during which he joined the resistance and was imprisoned. After the war he returned to competition and later became a respected coach and mentor to young athletes. Ruud is remembered as one of the greatest ski jumpers in history.
Birger Ruud
Japanese professional wrestler
Japanese professional wrestler
Pioneering Japanese professional wrestler and promoter, founder of Pro Wrestling NOAH.
Mitsuharu Misawa was a pioneering Japanese professional wrestler and promoter.
He first gained fame in All Japan Pro Wrestling as the second incarnation of Tiger Mask before adopting the Misawa persona.
Known for his explosive athleticism and technical skill, he headlined numerous iconic matches.
In 2000, he left to found Pro Wrestling NOAH and served as its first president.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, he inspired generations of athletes.
Misawa tragically died in 2009 following a cervical injury sustained during a match at the age of 46.
2009
Mitsuharu Misawa
Hungarian footballer and manager
Hungarian footballer and manager
Legendary Hungarian goalkeeper nicknamed the "Black Panther," member of the famous "Mighty Magyars."
Born in 1926, Gyula Grosics rose to prominence as Hungary's first great international goalkeeper.
He was a key member of the 1950s "Mighty Magyars," leading Hungary to Olympic gold in 1952.
Grosics' acrobatic saves and innovative sweeper-keeper style revolutionized goalkeeping.
He helped Hungary reach the 1954 World Cup final, showcasing his remarkable reflexes.
After his playing career, he managed several Hungarian clubs with success.
Honored as one of the world's top goalkeepers, his influence persists in modern football tactics.
Gyula Grosics
American football player and coach
American football player and coach
Hall of Fame NFL coach who led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl titles in the 1970s.
Born in 1932, Chuck Noll became head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1969.
He built one of the greatest dynasties in sports, winning Super Bowls IX, X, XIII, and XIV.
Noll was known for his disciplined approach and commitment to finding talent in later draft rounds.
He coached future Hall of Famers like Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene.
After retiring in 1991, he served as a consultant and mentor to coaches and players.
Noll's legacy endures as a model of leadership and excellence in professional football.
Chuck Noll
New Zealand cricketer and coach
New Zealand cricketer and coach
New Zealand cricketer and coach who represented his country in Test cricket and nurtured future talent.
Born in 1940 in Wellington, Mike Shrimpton was a right-handed batsman for the New Zealand national team.
He played in five Test matches during the 1960s, known for his solid technique and sportsmanship.
After retiring, Shrimpton coached domestic and national sides, emphasizing player development.
He worked with emerging talents in New Zealand cricket academies and clubs.
Shrimpton also contributed as a cricket administrator and selector for national teams.
His dedication to coaching helped raise the next generation of New Zealand cricketers.
Mike Shrimpton