June 24

Arthur L. Newton was an American track and field athlete who specialized in long-distance events. He competed in the 1904 and 1908 Summer Olympics, winning multiple silver and bronze medals. At the 1904 St. Louis Games he earned silver medals in the 2590-meter steeplechase and the 4-mile team race. Four years later, he claimed another silver in the 3-mile team event and a bronze in the 4-mile team race. Born in Massachusetts in 1883, Newton set early benchmarks for American distance running and remained active in athletics after his competitive career. He passed away in 1956, leaving a legacy in Olympic history.

Frank Verner was an American track and field athlete born in 1883 who specialized in the 1500-meter event. He represented the United States at the 1908 London Olympics, competing against the world’s best middle-distance runners. Verner's participation helped establish the U.S. presence in Olympic track events during the early 20th century. Following his athletic career, he remained engaged with the sport through coaching and mentoring young runners. He passed away in 1966, remembered for his role in pioneering American middle-distance running.

Frank Waller was an American track and field athlete born in 1884 who specialized in events such as the mile and 1500 meters. During his career, he competed in regional and national competitions, showcasing strong endurance and tactical racing. Waller was part of the wave of American athletes who advanced competitive running in the United States during the early 1900s. His dedication helped popularize middle-distance track events nationwide. After retiring from competition, he remained involved in athletics through mentoring local sports programs. Waller passed away in 1941, remembered for his commitment to the sport.

William Harrison ‘Jack’ Dempsey was an American boxer born in 1895 who reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1919 to 1926. Nicknamed ‘The Manassa Mauler’ for his powerful punches and relentless pressure, he became a cultural icon during the Roaring Twenties. Dempsey defended his title in several record-breaking bouts, including the famous 1921 fight against Georges Carpentier, which was the first million-dollar gate. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I before turning professional and also pursued acting roles in silent films. After retiring from boxing, Dempsey opened a popular restaurant in New York City and remained a prominent figure in the sports world as a commentator and referee. He died in 1983, leaving a legacy as one of boxing’s most legendary champions.

Chuck Taylor started as a pro basketball player before joining Converse as a salesman and ambassador for the company’s All-Star shoes. His on-the-road basketball clinics and design suggestions popularized the iconic Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars. Over decades, he traveled across the United States teaching the game and promoting fitness. Taylor’s name became synonymous with the shoes, which remain one of the most enduring and recognizable styles in athletic and streetwear fashion. His efforts helped shape the sporting goods industry.

Fred Alderman was a standout sprinter at the University of Michigan before representing the United States at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. He earned a gold medal as part of the 4×400-meter relay team and also competed in individual sprint events. Known for his speed and competitive spirit, Alderman won multiple national collegiate titles and set records in the 400 meters. After retiring from competition, he remained active in athletics and contributed to coaching and sports promotion programs, leaving a mark on American track and field history.

Born in Balcarce, Argentina, Fangio began his motorsport career in local touring car races before rising to international fame. He drove for top teams such as Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, and Ferrari, showcasing exceptional skill and precision. Fangio's record of five Formula One titles stood for nearly 50 years as the highest in the sport. His calm temperament and strategic racing style earned him the nickname 'El Maestro.' Even decades after retiring, Fangio remained a revered figure in motorsport worldwide.

Deloor emerged as a road racing talent in the 1930s, capturing victory in the inaugural Vuelta a España in 1935 and repeating the feat in 1936. His endurance and tactical acumen marked him as one of Belgium's leading cyclists of the era. During World War II, he joined the military effort, putting his athletic career on hold to serve his country. After the war, Deloor remained involved in cycling as a mentor to younger riders. He is remembered as a pioneer of Belgian cycling history.

Billy Casper rose from humble beginnings in San Diego to become one of golf's most accomplished players in the 1960s. He won 51 PGA Tour events, including three major championships: the U.S. Open in 1959 and 1966, and the Masters Tournament in 1970. Renowned for his short game and putting skills, Casper often outperformed longer hitters on challenging courses. He led the PGA Tour money list in 1966 and represented the United States in three Ryder Cups. After retiring from full-time competition, Casper served as a golf course designer and mentor to younger players. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1978 and remained active in golf until his death in 2015.

Sam Jones played college basketball at North Carolina Central University before being drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1957. Known for his smooth shooting touch and clutch performances, he helped the Celtics secure ten NBA titles in thirteen seasons. Jones was a five-time All-Star and earned a reputation as one of the greatest shooters of his era. After retiring as a player, he served as head coach of the Detroit Pistons and worked as an assistant in the NBA. His impact on the game was recognized with induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Ferdinand Biwersi began his football career as a midfielder for local German clubs before transitioning to refereeing after retiring as a player. He earned his FIFA badge and went on to officiate numerous Bundesliga games, including important cup finals. Biwersi was respected for his commitment to fairness and his clear, authoritative presence on the pitch. He contributed to the professionalization of refereeing standards in Germany and mentored younger officials. His dedication to the sport left a lasting impact on German football officiating.

Jean Milesi began his professional cycling career in the mid-1950s and competed in the Tour de France from 1957 to 1961. Known for his endurance in mountain stages, he supported team leaders as a valued domestique. Milesi achieved several top-ten stage finishes and won regional races in France. After retiring in the late 1960s, he dedicated himself to coaching young cyclists and promoting the sport in his community. His commitment to cycling development has been recognized by local racing clubs.