1877day.year
The inaugural Wimbledon Championships begins.
The inaugural Wimbledon tennis championships begin in London, marking the start of the sport’s oldest major tournament.
On July 9, 1877, the inaugural Wimbledon Championships commenced at the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, London. The event featured only a Gentlemen’s Singles tournament, with 22 competitors vying for the title. Spencer Gore won the first championship match, defeating William Marshall in straight sets to claim the lawn tennis title. The success of this initial tournament established lawn tennis as a popular competitive sport in Britain and beyond. Over time, Wimbledon expanded to include women’s events and doubles competition, evolving into a premier Grand Slam tournament. The Championships introduced traditions such as the grass courts, strict dress code, and strawberries and cream. Today, Wimbledon remains the oldest and most prestigious tennis event in the world, celebrated for its history and pageantry.
1877
inaugural
Wimbledon Championships
1922day.year
Johnny Weissmuller swims the 100 meters freestyle in 58.6 seconds breaking the world swimming record and the 'minute barrier'.
In 1922, Johnny Weissmuller became the first swimmer to complete the 100 meters freestyle in under a minute, setting a world record of 58.6 seconds.
On July 9, 1922, American swimmer Johnny Weissmuller shattered the existing world record in the 100-meter freestyle event.
He finished the distance in 58.6 seconds, breaking the 'minute barrier' for the first time.
This achievement propelled Weissmuller to international fame and redefined competitive freestyle technique.
His powerful stroke and rigorous training regimen influenced swimming for decades to come.
He would go on to win five Olympic gold medals and later achieve Hollywood stardom as Tarzan.
The 58.6-second mark remained the benchmark until the late 1920s, inspiring future generations of athletes.
1922
Johnny Weissmuller
100 meters freestyle
swimming
2006day.year
Italy win their fourth World Cup title, defeating France 5–3 on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time.
Italy wins its fourth FIFA World Cup, beating France 5–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in the final.
On July 9, 2006, Italy and France faced off in the FIFA World Cup final at Berlin's Olympiastadion. The intense match ended 1–1 after extra time, with goals from Zidane (penalty) and Materazzi. In a tense penalty shootout, Italy prevailed 5–3, netting all of their kicks and sealing their fourth World Cup trophy. The victory marked Italy's first World Cup since 1982 and highlighted their resilient defense and clinical finishing. The match is also remembered for Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi, which led to the French captain's dismissal. This finale remains one of the most dramatic and talked-about in World Cup history.
Italy
World Cup
France
5–3 on penalties