Japanese sumo wrestler, the 13th Yokozuna
Japanese sumo wrestler
the 13th Yokozuna
Kimenzan Tanigorō was the 13th Yokozuna in sumo history, renowned for his strength and technique.
Born in 1826, he rose to the top makuuchi division and earned the title Yokozuna.
He was celebrated for his powerful pushing style and disciplined training regimen.
Kimenzan defended his rank through numerous high-profile bouts in Edo and Osaka.
He contributed to the popularity of sumo during the late Edo period.
After retirement, he served as an elder, mentoring younger wrestlers.
His legacy endures in sumo lore and ceremonial rikishi traditions.
1871
Kimenzan Tanigorō
Yokozuna
English cricketer, academic, and politician
English cricketer
academic
and politician
English sportsman, scholar, and politician who excelled in cricket, athletics, and public service.
Charles Burgess Fry was a remarkable English athlete and polymath who set a world long jump record in 1893 and played cricket for England from 1896 to 1912. A brilliant scholar, he studied at Oxford, served as a diplomat, and later entered politics as a Member of Parliament. Known for his elegant batting style, Fry also played football and rugby at high levels, earning him the status of one of the greatest all-around sportsmen of his era. Despite turning down the throne of Albania, he remained a popular public figure, contributing to journalism and education. His diverse achievements reflect a life dedicated to excellence both on and off the field.
1956
C. B. Fry
English motorcycle racer and journalist
English motorcycle racer and journalist
English motorcycle racer and journalist known for his exploits at the Isle of Man TT.
Graham Walker was a celebrated British motorcycle racer who competed in the Isle of Man TT races throughout the 1920s and 1930s, earning a reputation for speed and daring. After retiring from competition, he became a respected motorcycle journalist, sharing insights and race analyses in leading publications. Walker's deep knowledge of motorcycling and personal racing experience made him a trusted voice in the sport. He also authored books on racing technique and engineering, influencing generations of riders. His dual career bridged competitive racing and sports journalism, contributing to the golden age of motorcycle sport. Walker's passion for two wheels persisted until his death in 1962.
Graham Walker
American baseball player, coach, and manager
American baseball player
coach
and manager
Ken Boyer was an American baseball third baseman and manager, five-time All-Star and 1964 National League MVP.
Born in 1931 in Liberty, Missouri, Boyer debuted with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1955.
He earned five consecutive Gold Glove Awards and was selected to five All-Star teams.
In 1964, he led the Cardinals to a World Series title while winning the MVP award.
After retiring, Boyer managed the Chicago White Sox and Cardinals, sharing his expertise with new generations.
He finished his career with over 200 home runs and remained a respected figure in baseball until his passing in 1982.
1982
Ken Boyer
American baseball player and manager
American baseball player and manager
Joe Cronin was an American baseball shortstop and manager, later serving as president of the American League and earning a place in the Hall of Fame.
Born in 1906 in San Francisco, Cronin excelled as a shortstop for the Washington Senators and Boston Red Sox.
He earned six All-Star selections and led the Red Sox as player-manager.
After retiring to the front office, he became president of the American League, shaping modern baseball policies.
Cronin was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1956 for his on-field achievements and leadership.
He passed away in 1984, leaving a lasting impact on the game both on and off the diamond.
1984
Joe Cronin
Australian cricketer
Australian cricketer
Don Tallon was an Australian wicket-keeper celebrated for his exceptional skill behind the stumps and as a member of the 1948 'Invincibles'.
Born in 1916, Tallon debuted for Queensland in 1936 before becoming Australia's first-choice wicket-keeper post-WWII.
He toured England in 1948 with Don Bradman’s undefeated 'Invincibles', earning praise for his reflexes and batting contributions.
Tallon’s acrobatic catches and stumpings set new standards for keepers of his era.
After retiring in 1953, he remained involved in cricket coaching and commentary.
His legacy endures in cricket history as one of Australia's finest wicket-keepers.
Don Tallon
American baseball player
American baseball player
American Major League Baseball first baseman known for his .302 career batting average.
Born in La Jolla, California, in 1925, Bob Boyd made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox in 1950. He played for the White Sox, St. Louis Browns, and Baltimore Orioles over his 12-year career. Boyd was a consistent hitter, finishing second in the American League batting race in 1958 with a .346 average. He retired in 1961 with a career batting average of .302 and over 1,000 hits. After leaving baseball, he worked as a coach, teacher, and mentor to young athletes in California. Bob Boyd’s disciplined approach and dedication to the game inspired many players who followed him. He passed away in 2004, remembered as one of his era’s most reliable hitters.
2004
Bob Boyd
Romanian rugby player and actor
Romanian rugby player and actor
Ilarion Ciobanu was a Romanian rugby player who transitioned into a celebrated career as a film actor. He became one of Romania's most beloved screen personalities.
Ilarion Ciobanu began his career as a talented rugby player before discovering his passion for acting. In the late 1950s, he made his screen debut and quickly became a leading figure in Romanian cinema. Over his career, he appeared in dozens of films, ranging from dramatic epics to contemporary stories. His commanding presence and deep voice earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Ciobanu was celebrated for his versatility, seamlessly inhabiting roles of both heroic and complex characters. He remained a prominent cultural figure for five decades, influencing generations of Romanian actors. He passed away in 2008, but his performances continue to resonate with movie enthusiasts.
Ilarion Ciobanu
American basketball player and coach
American basketball player and coach
Don Haskins was an American college basketball coach and former player who led Texas Western to a historic NCAA championship in 1966.
Born in 1930, Don Haskins played college basketball before beginning his coaching career at UTEP. In 1966, he guided the Texas Western Miners to the NCAA championship with the first all-black starting five, challenging racial barriers in college sports. His team's victory was later dramatized in the film 'Glory Road'. Haskins coached at UTEP for over 30 years, amassing more than 700 career wins. Known for his defensive strategies and no-nonsense style, he was instrumental in integrating basketball in the United States. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997. Haskins remained a revered figure in the sport until his passing in 2008, leaving a lasting legacy on and off the court.
Don Haskins
Serbian skier
Serbian skier
Amar Garibović was a promising Serbian cross-country skier who died in a tragic car accident at the age of 18.
Born in 1991, Amar Garibović emerged as a talented young skier on the Serbian national team. He competed in junior world championships and showed great potential in international competitions. In September 2010, Garibović was traveling with his fellow athletes when their vehicle was involved in a fatal crash. His untimely death shocked the sports community, highlighting the risks faced by young athletes. Teammates and coaches remembered him for his dedication, work ethic, and passion for skiing. Although his career was brief, Garibović's drive and achievements at a young age left a memorable impact on Serbian winter sports.
2010
Amar Garibović
Slovakian ice hockey player
Alexander Karpovtsev, Russian ice hockey player and coach
Igor Korolev, Russian ice hockey player and coach
Stefan Liv, Polish-Swedish ice hockey player
Jan Marek, Czech ice hockey player
Brad McCrimmon, Canadian ice hockey player and coach
Karel Rachůnek, Czech ice hockey player
Kārlis Skrastiņš, Latvian ice hockey player
Ruslan Salei, Belarusian ice hockey player
Josef Vašíček, Czech ice hockey player
Slovakian ice hockey player
Alexander Karpovtsev
Russian ice hockey player and coach
Igor Korolev
Russian ice hockey player and coach
Stefan Liv
Polish-Swedish ice hockey player
Jan Marek
Czech ice hockey player
Brad McCrimmon
Canadian ice hockey player and coach
Karel Rachůnek
Czech ice hockey player
Kārlis Skrastiņš
Latvian ice hockey player
Ruslan Salei
Belarusian ice hockey player
Josef Vašíček
Czech ice hockey player
Members of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl professional ice hockey team who tragically died in a plane crash on September 7, 2011.
On September 7, 2011, the Yak-Service Yak-42 aircraft carrying the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey team crashed shortly after takeoff, killing nearly the entire roster and coaching staff. Among the victims were international stars such as Pavol Demitra, Alexander Karpovtsev, Igor Korolev, and others. The tragedy shocked the global hockey community and brought attention to aviation safety in sports. The crash claimed the lives of players from Slovakia, Russia, Sweden, Czech Republic, Canada, Latvia, and Belarus, effectively pausing the franchise. Memorials and tributes poured in worldwide, honoring the athletes' accomplishments and camaraderie. Although rescue and recovery efforts followed, no survivors were found among the team, leaving a lasting impact on families and fans.
2011
2011 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash
Pavol Demitra
Alexander Karpovtsev
Igor Korolev
Stefan Liv
Jan Marek
Brad McCrimmon
Karel Rachůnek
Kārlis Skrastiņš
Ruslan Salei
Josef Vašíček
Russian footballer and manager
Russian footballer and manager
Soviet midfielder turned coach who represented the USSR national team and later managed several Russian clubs.
Born in 1952, Aleksandr Maksimenkov made his mark as a midfielder for Dynamo Moscow and Zarya Voroshilovgrad, winning the Soviet Top League in 1976. He earned 12 caps for the USSR between 1976 and 1979, showcasing his tactical skill on the international stage. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to coaching, leading teams such as Zarya and Rotor Volgograd and mentoring young talent. Known for his strategic acumen and commitment to the sport, Maksimenkov influenced Russian football across two decades. He died in 2012 at the age of 60.
Aleksandr Maksimenkov