October 26

Grandson of railroad magnate William Kissam Vanderbilt, he used his fortune to promote motorsports in the early 20th century. He organized the inaugural Vanderbilt Cup races on Long Island, bringing European-style grand prix racing to America. An accomplished yachtsman, he maintained a fleet of famous vessels including the legendary 'Aurora'. A philanthropist and nature enthusiast, he later donated much of his Long Island estate to create a public wildlife refuge. His passion helped lay the foundation for modern American auto racing culture.

A member of the French national team, he captured the gold medal in the 25-kilometre cycling race at the 1900 Paris Games. Versatile in sport, Bastien also represented France in fencing competitions at national level. He was admired for his endurance, strategic racing style, and technical skill with the épée. After retiring from competition, he contributed to sports administration and coaching in France. His dual achievements in cycling and fencing made him a prominent figure in early Olympic history.

Pilgrim excelled in the 4-mile and 5-mile relay races, winning gold at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics and the 1906 Intercalated Games in Athens. Known for his strong finishing kick and teamwork, he contributed to America’s early dominance in distance relay competitions. After retiring from athletics, he remained involved in sports as a coach and mentor to young runners. His Olympic successes helped popularize long-distance track events in the United States. Pilgrim’s legacy endures as one of America’s pioneering distance runners.

At the St. Louis Games, Hogenson finished second in the 100-meter dash, earning a place on the Olympic podium. He was celebrated for his explosive start and exceptional speed over the short sprint distance. A dominant figure in early 20th-century American track, he won multiple national championships. After his athletic career, Hogenson contributed to youth sports programs and track coaching. His achievements helped lay the groundwork for future American sprinting success.

Florence Nagle was a pioneer in the British racing industry. She overcame gender barriers to establish a successful training stable. Her careful breeding programs produced numerous champion racehorses. She fought for the recognition of women in the sport. Her innovations in equine care had a lasting impact.

Judy Johnson was one of the greatest third basemen in Negro leagues history. He excelled as both a powerful hitter and a stellar fielder. After his playing career, he became a respected coach and scout. In 1975, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His legacy paved the way for future African American ballplayers.

Beryl Markham was a pioneering aviator and the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic from east to west. She trained racehorses in Kenya, achieving success with several notable thoroughbreds. Her memoir, 'West with the Night', received critical acclaim for its lyrical prose. Markham's adventurous spirit made her a legendary figure of the African frontier. She remains an icon of early aviation and equestrian history.

Jack Sharkey became the world heavyweight boxing champion in 1932. Known for his powerful punching and rugged style, he fought top contenders of his era. After retiring, Sharkey served as a respected boxing referee for decades. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991. His contributions to the sport spanned both athlete and official roles.

Primo Carnera was known as 'The Ambling Alp' for his towering size and strength. He won the World heavyweight title in 1933 with a stunning knockout victory. After boxing, Carnera transitioned to acting, appearing in several European films. He later worked as a wrestling promoter and boxing trainer in the United States. His life story remains a remarkable tale of fame, challenge, and resilience.

Charles Sidney Gillman, known as Sid Gillman, began his football career at Ohio State University before coaching at the University of Cincinnati. He revolutionized professional football as head coach of the Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers by emphasizing vertical passing tactics. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983, Gillman’s offensive philosophies influenced a generation of coaches, including Bill Walsh and Don Coryell. His innovative approach helped shape the AFL and NFL into high-scoring, pass-oriented leagues. Gillman’s legacy lives on in modern football strategy.

Ray Crawford served as a fighter pilot in World War II, achieving six aerial victories before joining Hughes Aircraft as a test pilot. Transitioning to motorsport, he co-founded the Scarab racing team and won prestigious races such as the 12 Hours of Sebring. Known for his technical expertise and fearless driving, Crawford competed around the world and helped popularize sports car racing in the United States. He later held executive roles in the aviation industry, blending his passions for flight and racing. Crawford’s versatile career left a lasting legacy in both military aviation and motorsport.

Joe Fry was a prominent English racing driver active in the 1940s. He competed in prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and drove for teams like Gordini. Fry specialized in sports car racing and was celebrated for his skill on both road circuits and street courses. His promising career was tragically cut short by a fatal crash at Silverstone in 1950. Despite his brief time behind the wheel, he left a lasting mark on British motorsport history.