July 24

On July 24, 1966, skydiver Michael Pelkey and Brian Schubert made history as the first people to BASE jump from El Capitan, deploying parachutes shortly after leaping from the granite monolith. The daredevil jumpers both suffered broken bones but proved the feasibility of the new sport. Following their jump, BASE jumping was promptly banned in Yosemite National Park due to safety concerns. This pioneering leap laid the groundwork for modern BASE jumping and extreme adventure sports worldwide. El Capitan remains a coveted and restricted site for thrill-seekers inspired by their audacious feat.

Dubbed the 'Quietly Confident Quartet,' Australian swimmers Mark Kerry, Peter Evans, Mark Tonelli, and Neil Brooks stunned the world by defeating the favored United States team in the men's 4×100 meter medley relay at the 1980 Moscow Games. Their victory marked the only occasion the U.S. medley relay squad failed to win Olympic gold. The win came amid a partial boycott by Western nations, offering the quartet an unexpected opportunity to make history. Each leg of the relay showcased world-class performances and seamless transitions under Olympic pressure. The triumph galvanized Australian swimming pride and inspired future generations of athletes. The team's composed demeanor and underdog spirit endeared them to global audiences. Their gold-medal run remains one of Australia's most celebrated Olympic achievements.

In the top of the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium, Royals slugger George Brett crushed a two-run homer off Goose Gossage that would have given Kansas City the lead. Yankees manager Billy Martin objected to the amount of pine tar on Brett's bat, showing that it exceeded the allowed limit. After umpires measured the bat and ruled the home run invalid, an enraged Brett charged out of the dugout in one of baseball's most memorable meltdowns. The Royals protested, and the league later upheld their appeal, ordering the game to be resumed from the point of Brett's home run. The incident highlighted the quirks of baseball rules and became a beloved legend in the sport's history. Fans today still recall Brett's iconic reaction and the controversy that ensued, cementing the Pine Tar Incident as a classic moment in Major League Baseball lore.

American mountaineer and nutritionist Hulda Crooks achieved an extraordinary feat at age 91 by summiting Mount Fuji's 3,776-meter peak. Known as 'Grandma Whitney' for her record climbs of Mount Whitney, Crooks had long championed healthy living and active aging. Her ascent on July 24 came after decades of climbing practice and served as a testament to the power of determination and physical fitness. Local crowds and fellow climbers cheered as she planted a flag at the summit, celebrating her newfound record. Crooks' achievement garnered international media attention and inspired senior citizens worldwide to embrace challenging goals. She continued to advocate for outdoor exercise and lived to the age of 101, leaving a legacy of passion for mountaineering. Her story remains a motivational example of lifelong adventure and wellness.