July 20

Kostas Choumis was born in Athens in 1913 and began his football career with Ethnikos Piraeus. A talented forward, he represented both Greece and Romania at the international level. Choumis played for Rapid București, where he won the Romanian league title in 1937. Known for his speed and goal-scoring ability, he earned acclaim in Eastern European football. After retiring as a player, he coached youth teams and contributed to the development of Romanian football. He passed away in 1981, remembered as a pioneering dual international footballer.

June Byers (1922-1998) was an American professional wrestler and one of the earliest female stars in the sport. She won the NWA World Women's Championship in the early 1950s and defended the title against top contenders of her era. Byers was admired for her athleticism and technical skill, helping to popularize women's wrestling across the United States. Her high-profile rivalry with Mildred Burke captivated audiences and raised the profile of female athletes. After retiring, she remained involved in the wrestling community as a mentor and ambassador. Byers passed away on July 20, 1998, remembered as a trailblazer for women in sports.

Michalis Kritikopoulos (1946-2002) was a Greek footballer celebrated for his skill and scoring ability. Playing primarily as a forward, he starred for leading Greek clubs in the 1960s and 1970s, becoming one of the league's top scorers. Kritikopoulos also represented the Greek national team, contributing crucial goals in European qualifiers. His technical finesse and consistency made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in Greek football. After retiring, he stayed connected to the sport through coaching and youth development. Kritikopoulos passed away on July 20, 2002, remembered as one of Greece's notable football talents.

Valdemaras Martinkėnas was born in 1965 in Kaunas, Lithuania. He rose to prominence as a goalkeeper for the Lithuanian national football team following the country's independence. Martinkėnas played club football across Lithuania and in European leagues, earning acclaim for his reflexes and leadership. After retiring as a player, he dedicated himself to coaching young goalkeepers and developing future talents. His sudden death in a car accident in 2004 shocked the Lithuanian football community. Martinkėnas is remembered for his passion for the sport and his commitment to nurturing the next generation.

Born on January 28, 1945, in Bursa, Turkey, Vedat Okyar began his professional career with Bursaspor before joining Beşiktaş JK in 1966. He earned over 30 caps for the Turkey national team and was known for his elegant dribbling and playmaking skills. After retiring from playing in 1977, he transitioned to a successful career as a sports journalist and television commentator. Okyar remained a beloved figure in Turkish football, inspiring a generation of players. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 64.

Born in 1930 in Santa Monica, California, Jack Davis emerged as one of the world’s top hurdlers in the early 1950s. He won silver medals in the 110m hurdles at both the 1952 Helsinki and 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Davis broke the world record in the 120-yard hurdles and claimed multiple national titles during his career. After retiring from competition, he coached track and field and inspired young athletes across the United States. Davis passed away in 2012, remembered as a pioneer in American hurdling.

Bob McNamara (1931-2014) was an American football player. He developed his talent in college before moving into professional leagues. Known for his athleticism and determination, he quickly became a valuable team member. McNamara's dedication to training and teamwork earned him respect in locker rooms. Though his time in the pros was relatively brief, he made a lasting impression on fans. After retiring, he remained involved in his local football community. His passion for the game inspired younger players in his hometown.

Fred Else (1933-2015) was an English professional football goalkeeper and later manager. He made over 400 appearances in the Football League, starring for Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers. Born in Blackpool, Else began his career at his hometown club before moving to Blackburn in 1959. He helped Rovers win promotion to the First Division in 1963 and was known for his reliable shot-stopping. After retiring as a player, Else moved into coaching and managed Barrow AFC for several seasons. He was admired for his leadership on the pitch and for mentoring young goalkeepers. Else's decades-long dedication to English football earned him respect among teammates and fans. He passed away in 2015, remembered as one of his generation's finest goalkeepers.