July 11

Friedrich Traun was born in 1876 in Germany and emerged as a talented track athlete and tennis player. He represented Germany at the 1900 Paris Olympics, winning a silver medal in the men's singles tennis event. In track and field, Traun competed in sprint races and was known for his speed and agility. He studied at the University of Cambridge, balancing academic pursuits with athletic achievements. After his athletic career, Traun contributed to the development of sports in Germany. He remains remembered as one of the first German athletes to win an Olympic medal.

Billy Mosforth was born in 1857 in Sheffield and became one of the prominent footballers of the Victorian era. He played as a forward, known for his dribbling skills and creative playmaking for Sheffield clubs. After retiring from football, Mosforth pursued a career as an engraver and artist. He combined his passion for sport and art, producing detailed engravings related to athletic themes. Mosforth's contributions helped shape the early development of English football. He is remembered as both an athlete and a skilled craftsman.

Charlie Parker was born in 1882 and emerged as a skilled batsman in English county cricket. He played for several teams, showcasing elegance and consistency at the crease. After retiring as a player, Parker became a respected coach, mentoring young cricketers. He later served as an umpire, known for his fair judgement and deep knowledge of the game. Parker's dedication to cricket helped nurture talents and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. His lifelong involvement left a lasting impact on English cricket traditions.

Pedro Rodríguez was born in Mexico City in 1940 and rose to international fame behind the wheel for Ferrari and BRM. Known for his daring style, he achieved victory at the 1968 24 Hours of Le Mans and secured multiple podium finishes in Formula One events. Rodríguez was admired for his fearlessness on challenging circuits and technical skill in wet conditions. His promising career was tragically cut short by a fatal crash during a sports car race in Germany in 1971 at the age of 31. His achievements paved the way for future Mexican drivers and he remains a national motorsport icon.

Avi Ran, born in 1963, became Israel's youngest national team goalkeeper, debuting at just 17 years old. Playing for Maccabi Haifa, he helped secure multiple league titles and State Cup victories with standout shot-stopping skills. Known for his agility and command of the penalty area, Ran was widely regarded as one of Israel's best goalkeepers of his generation. His promising career was tragically cut short in a boating accident in 1987 at the age of 23. Posthumously, Maccabi Haifa retired his jersey in honor of his contributions to Israeli football. Ran's legacy endures among fans and aspiring players who look to his dedication and talent as inspiration.

Mohd Mokhtar bin Dahari (1953-1991) is remembered as one of Malaysia's greatest footballers. Nicknamed 'Supermokh', he scored over 200 goals in domestic competitions. He earned more than 100 caps for the Malaysian national team, leading them in regional tournaments. After retirement, he transitioned to coaching, nurturing youth talent across various clubs. His passion and skill left a lasting legacy in Malaysian football culture. He remains a national sporting icon to this day.

Shinya Hashimoto was a leading figure in New Japan Pro-Wrestling during the 1980s and 1990s. He was part of the celebrated Three Musketeers alongside Keiji Mutoh and Masahiro Chono. Hashimoto captured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship three times with his hard-hitting style. He also competed in mixed martial arts and trained in karate and judo. After leaving NJPW, he founded Pro Wrestling ZERO1 to mentor next-generation talent. His intense in-ring approach earned him a loyal fan following in Japan and abroad. He passed away suddenly in 2005 at the age of 40, leaving a lasting legacy.

Jesús Iglesias was an Argentinian racing driver active in the 1950s and 1960s. He competed in Turismo Carretera, Argentina's premier stock car championship. Iglesias also took part in South American Grand Prix events and endurance races. Known for his technical skill and competitive spirit, he became a respected figure in regional motorsport. He drove for top local teams and was admired for his consistency on challenging circuits. Beyond racing, he mentored young drivers and promoted motorsport development in Argentina. He died in 2005 at the age of 83, remembered as a pioneer of South American auto racing.

John Spencer was one of the pioneers of professional snooker, turning professional in 1971. He won the World Professional Snooker Championship in 1969, 1971, and 1977. Spencer was known for his strategic play, powerful break-building, and smooth cue action. After retiring from competitive play, he became a respected BBC snooker commentator. He helped popularize snooker on television during its boom in the 1980s. Spencer was inducted into the Snooker Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport. He died in 2006 at the age of 71 after a battle with lung cancer.

Reg Fleming (1936–2009) was a Canadian-American hockey player celebrated for his physical style on the ice. He won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1961 and played fourteen seasons in the NHL. Fleming also suited up for the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers, among others. His leadership and penalty-minute prowess made him a fan favorite and an intimidating competitor. After retiring as a player, he coached in the minor leagues and remained active in the hockey community. His career exemplified the toughness and passion of mid-20th-century professional hockey.

Arturo Gatti (1972–2009) was an Italian-Canadian boxer known for his aggressive style and resilience. He captured the WBC and IBF junior middleweight titles in a career marked by dramatic battles. His legendary trilogy with Micky Ward is widely regarded as one of boxing's greatest rivalries. Gatti's relentless offense and powerful punches made him a star in Madison Square Garden. Beloved for his charisma outside the ring, he maintained a strong bond with fans and family. His untimely death in 2009 shocked the boxing world and cemented his legacy as a true warrior.

Bill McGill was born in 1939 in Chicago, Illinois. He starred at the University of Utah, becoming a two-time All-American and leading Utah to the Final Four in 1961. Drafted by the Chicago Packers in 1961, he played professionally in the NBA and ABA. McGill was known for his signature jump hook shot, influencing post play techniques. After retiring, he dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring youth athletes. He died on July 11, 2014, remembered as one of college basketball's pioneering figures.