July 15

Ernest 'Razor' Smith (1877–1946) was an English cricketer known for his skill as a left-arm orthodox spinner for Surrey. He played first-class cricket between 1896 and 1914, taking over 1,200 wickets in his career. His precise bowling and motion earned him the nickname 'Razor.' After retiring, he served as a coach at the Marylebone Cricket Club, shaping future generations of cricketers. Smith's expertise and mentorship were highly regarded in the cricket community. His contributions to the game extended beyond his playing days, influencing coaching techniques in England.

Billy Haughton was a pioneering American harness racer and trainer famed for his competitive spirit and record-breaking career. Born in 1923, he began as a jockey before switching to harness racing, where he found extraordinary success. Haughton drove and trained numerous champion trotters and pacers, accumulating over 4,000 career wins. He secured multiple victories in the prestigious Hambletonian Stakes and was known for his innovative training methods. Inducted into the United States Harness Racing Hall of Fame, his influence on the sport endures decades after his passing.

Laurie Cunningham began his career at West Bromwich Albion, earning a reputation for his dribbling and speed which led to England caps. In 1979 he made history as the first British black player signed by Real Madrid, helping the club win La Liga in his debut season. Revered across Europe, he also played in Spain and France before returning to England. Off the pitch, he broke racial barriers and inspired future generations of footballers. His life was tragically cut short by a car accident at age 33, yet his legacy as a trailblazer endures.

Born in 1924, Justinas Lagunavičius belonged to the first generation of Lithuanian basketball players competing after World War II. He represented club teams in the Lithuanian SSR, where his talent and leadership helped popularize the sport during rebuilding years. Following his playing career, he devoted himself to mentoring young athletes and promoting basketball development. His contributions laid the groundwork for Lithuania’s later successes on the international stage. Lagunavičius passed away in 1997, remembered as a foundational figure in his nation's basketball history.

György Kolonics (1972–2008) was one of Hungary's most celebrated canoeists, specializing in C2 events with his partner. He won Olympic gold medals in Atlanta (1996) and Sydney (2000), and multiple world championship titles. Kolonics was praised for his strength, endurance, and teamwork on the water. His untimely death in 2008 shocked the sports community. He remains a national hero in Hungary and an inspiration to aspiring paddlers.

Born in 1975, Boris Cebotari rose to prominence as a dynamic midfielder for FC Zimbru Chișinău. Over his career, he earned numerous caps for the Moldova national team and was celebrated for his vision and passing accuracy. A key figure in Moldovan domestic football during the late 1990s and early 2000s, he helped Zimbru win multiple league titles. After retiring in 2007, he remained involved in youth coaching and development programs. His untimely death in 2012 was mourned by fans and teammates alike, who remembered him as a leader on and off the field.

Born in 1960, Grant Feasel became a standout offensive lineman at West Texas State University before entering the NFL. He was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1983 and later played for the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys. Known for his strength and durability, Feasel anchored offensive lines and protected his quarterbacks with consistency. After retiring in 1991, he remained active in community coaching and youth sports programs. He passed away in 2012, remembered by teammates for his work ethic and team-first attitude.

Born in 1940 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Earl Gros starred at LSU before being selected by the Green Bay Packers in 1962. He contributed to the Packers’ 1962 NFL Championship team with his powerful running and blocking. Gros later played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and joined the New Orleans Saints as part of their inaugural roster. Known for his toughness and team spirit, he retired from professional football in 1970. He was inducted into the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame for his collegiate achievements and remained active in youth sports programs until his death in 2013.

Meskerem Legesse was an Ethiopian middle-distance runner born in 1986. She specialized in the 800 meters and represented Ethiopia in international competitions. Legesse competed at the 2004 Athens Olympics, showcasing her talent on the world stage. She achieved personal bests that ranked among the top Ethiopian runners of her generation. Legesse's career inspired many young athletes in Ethiopia. After retiring from competition, she remained involved in athletics development. Her sudden passing in 2013 shocked the sports community.