Welsh runner
Welsh runner
Welsh distance runner who excelled in middle-distance events in the early 20th century.
John 'Tenby' Davies was a pioneering Welsh middle-distance runner renowned for his competitiveness over the mile.
He claimed multiple Welsh national titles and challenged some of the era's top British runners.
Davies represented Wales in regional athletic meets and inspired future generations of Welsh athletes with his dedication.
Off the track, he worked as a schoolteacher, balancing his sporting passion with community service.
His legacy endures in Welsh athletics as an early standard-bearer for endurance running.
1932
Tenby Davies
English cricketer and footballer
English cricketer and footballer
Dual-sport English athlete who excelled in both cricket and football in the early 20th century.
Andy Ducat was a celebrated English sportsman who achieved top-level success in cricket and professional football.
He captained Surrey County Cricket Club and earned two Test caps for England in cricket.
In football, Ducat played for Aston Villa and Fulham, winning the Football League title in 1910 with Villa.
Known for his versatility and competitive spirit, he was one of the few athletes to represent England in two sports.
After retiring, he served as a cricket coach and remained a respected figure in British sports until his death.
Andy Ducat
American runner
American runner
American middle-distance runner active in the early 20th century.
Herman Groman competed as a prominent American runner during the early 1900s, specializing in middle-distance track events. He participated in national and regional competitions, showcasing speed and endurance that earned him recognition among peers. Representing his athletic club, Groman helped raise the profile of organized track and field in the United States. His performances contributed to the growing popularity of modern athletics. Though details of his career are less documented, Groman's dedication exemplified the spirit of early competitive sportsmanship.
1954
Herman Groman
American football player and coach
American football player and coach
American football pioneer who played and coached in the early development of the sport.
Bob Shiring was an influential figure in the formative years of American football, excelling as both a player and coach. He competed with leading professional and semi-professional teams, demonstrating rugged skill on the field. Transitioning to coaching, Shiring helped introduce strategic innovations and training methods that shaped early football tactics. His leadership contributed to the growth and organization of the sport in its nascent stages. Remembered for his passion and versatility, Shiring left a mark on football's evolution in the United States.
1957
Bob Shiring
English cricketer and manager
English cricketer and manager
English cricketer who represented Yorkshire and England as a skilled left-arm spin bowler before later serving as a cricket coach and manager.
Born on June 8, 1923 in West Yorkshire, Johnny Wardle made his first-class debut for Yorkshire in 1949. Renowned for his left-arm spin, he took more than 1,000 wickets in his first-class career, combining flight and guile to baffle batsmen. He represented England in 28 Test matches between 1951 and 1957, forming a formidable partnership with Jim Laker and dazzling crowds with his precision. Known for his outspoken views, he clashed with the Yorkshire committee and moved to Lancashire in the early 1960s. After retirement, he devoted himself to coaching and managing, shaping the careers of many young players. Wardle's legacy endures in English cricket, remembered as one of the finest spinners of his era until his death on July 23, 1985.
1985
Johnny Wardle
Japanese jumper and journalist
Japanese jumper and journalist
Japanese Olympic champion in triple jump who set world records and later became a prominent sports journalist.
Born on September 28, 1904 in Sapporo, Chūhei Nambu won gold in the triple jump and bronze in the long jump at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, setting a new world mark in the triple jump. His athletic achievements brought Japan international recognition in track and field. After retiring from competition, Nambu embarked on a long career as a journalist for the Asahi Shimbun, where he covered sports and advocated for athletic development in postwar Japan. His insights and writings influenced generations of athletes and sports fans. Nambu passed away on July 23, 1997, remembered as both an Olympic legend and a respected journalist.
1997
Chūhei Nambu
American boxer and trainer
American boxer and trainer
American professional boxer, two-division world champion and respected trainer.
Born in 1938 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Emile Griffith rose to prominence as a world welterweight and middleweight champion. Known for his tactical skill and powerful jab, he engaged in legendary bouts against Carlos Ortiz. After retiring, Griffith dedicated himself to training young boxers and mentoring talent in the ring. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame for his outstanding career. Griffith passed away in 2013, remembered as one of boxing's great champions.
Emile Griffith
Brazilian footballer
Brazilian footballer
Legendary Brazilian right-back and two-time FIFA World Cup champion.
Born in 1929, Djalma Santos became one of football's finest defenders, winning the World Cup with Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Known for his speed, skillful tackling, and precise crosses, he revolutionized the full-back role. Santos spent most of his club career with Portuguesa and Palmeiras, winning multiple domestic titles. He was inducted into the Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions. Santos passed away in 2013, leaving a legacy as one of the all-time greats.
Djalma Santos
English footballer
English footballer
English footballer who played as a defender in the Football League.
Born in 1990, Jordan Tabor began his career in the youth academy of Reading FC before moving to Wycombe Wanderers. He made senior appearances in the Football League and had loan spells at Aldershot Town. Known for his defensive solidity and leadership qualities, he became a reliable figure at the back. After leaving the professional ranks, Tabor continued playing semi-professionally in non-league clubs. His life was tragically cut short in 2014, leaving a lasting impression on his football community.
Jordan Tabor
American basketball coach
American basketball coach
Legendary American basketball coach who led the Minneapolis Lakers to multiple NBA championships.
John Kundla began his coaching career at the University of Minnesota, guiding the Golden Gophers from 1946 to 1959. He then became the first head coach of the Minneapolis Lakers, where he won five NBA championships between 1948 and 1954. Kundla was known for innovative strategies and his calm leadership style on the bench. After retiring from professional coaching, he returned to Minnesota University as an athletic administrator. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995 in recognition of his contributions to the sport. Kundla remained a respected figure in basketball until his passing, remembered for shaping the early NBA era.
2017
John Kundla