Swiss target shooter
Swiss target shooter
A Swiss sport shooter who dominated international target shooting competitions in the early 20th century.
Born in 1866 in Zürich, Stäheli became one of the most celebrated marksmen of his era.
He won multiple gold medals in trap and military rifle events at the 1900 Paris Olympics and other international meets.
Over his career, he set world records and claimed numerous world championship titles in shooting.
Stäheli also contributed to the development of marksmanship training methods and firearm design.
His success helped popularize competitive shooting sports in Switzerland and beyond.
He is remembered as a pioneering figure in the history of Olympic and world shooting competitions.
1931
Konrad Stäheli
South African runner
South African runner
South African sprinter who won the 100 meters gold medal at the 1908 London Olympics.
Reggie Walker was a South African athlete who claimed the 100 meters gold medal at the 1908 London Olympics. Born in 1889 in Vryburg, he first rose to prominence by winning the South African national championships. At the Olympics, Walker secured victory with a time of 10.8 seconds, marking the first track and field gold for a South African. His achievement inspired future generations of athletes in his home country. After retiring from competition, he remained active in sports and community events. Walker's pioneering Olympic success left an enduring mark on South African athletics. He passed away in 1951, remembered as a trailblazing sprinter.
1951
Reggie Walker
American baseball player
American baseball player
American Major League Baseball pitcher known for his powerful fastball and a 1955 no-hitter.
Born in 1925 in Stewartsville, Pennsylvania, Sam Jones earned the nickname 'Sudden Sam' for his quick-working fastball.
He debuted with the Cleveland Indians in 1949 and later starred with the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals.
On May 12, 1955, he threw a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates, becoming one of the era's standout pitchers.
Jones led the National League in strikeouts three times, demonstrating his dominance on the mound.
Over his twelve-season career, he recorded 102 victories and 1,012 strikeouts, leaving a lasting mark on mid-century baseball.
After retiring in 1961, he remained involved in youth sports and passed away in 1971.
1971
Sam Jones
Estonian weightlifter
Estonian weightlifter
Estonian weightlifter who competed in the 1920 Summer Olympics.
Born in 1898 in Tallinn, Schmidt represented Estonia in the lightweight division at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp.
He was among the first athletes to compete for Estonia after the nation's independence in 1918.
Domestically, he won multiple national championships and helped popularize weightlifting in his home country.
His dedication to sport during Estonia's early years of nationhood laid groundwork for future Olympic participation.
After retiring from competition, he remained involved as a coach and mentor to young weightlifters.
Schmidt passed away in 1972, remembered as a pioneer of Estonian weightlifting.
1972
Alfred Schmidt
German race car driver
German race car driver
Adolf Brudes was a German racing driver who competed in Grand Prix and sports car events during the mid-20th century.
Born in 1899 in Langensalza, Germany, Brudes began racing motorcycles before switching to cars.
He drove for teams like BMW, Maserati, and Auto Union in European competitions.
Brudes competed in endurance races, hill climbs, and early Formula One Grand Prix events.
Known for his technical skill and endurance, he became a respected driver of his era.
After World War II, he continued racing sports cars in events like the Mille Miglia.
Later, he worked as a test driver, contributing to automotive engineering.
Brudes passed away in 1986, remembered for his passion and versatility behind the wheel.
1986
Adolf Brudes
Australian rugby league player and sportscaster
Australian rugby league player and sportscaster
Peter Jackson was an Australian rugby league player known for his powerful running style and scoring prowess. After retiring, he became a celebrated sportscaster, bringing his on-field experience to television broadcasts.
Born in 1964, Jackson made his debut with the Canberra Raiders and quickly established himself as one of the most formidable players in the league. He later played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Brisbane Broncos, earning accolades including the Rugby League Players Association's Player of the Year award. Known as 'Jacko,' he scored over 100 tries during his career. Following his retirement due to injury, Jackson transitioned to the commentary box, becoming a familiar voice on Australian rugby league broadcasts. His insightful analysis and charismatic personality endeared him to fans across the country. Jackson passed away in 1997, but remains remembered for his contributions both on and off the field.
Peter Jackson
Swedish footballer and manager
Swedish footballer and manager
Nils Liedholm was a celebrated Swedish footballer and coach known for his elegant playing style and tactical acumen.
Nils Liedholm (1922–2007) starred as a midfielder for AC Milan and the Sweden national team, winning the 1948 Olympic gold medal. He formed part of the legendary "Gre-No-Li" trio at Milan and claimed multiple Serie A titles as a player. After retiring, Liedholm enjoyed a successful coaching career, leading AS Roma to their first Scudetto in 1982–83. His calm demeanor and strategic insight made him a respected figure in European football. Liedholm’s contributions to the game earned him enduring recognition as one of Sweden’s greatest football personalities.
2007
Nils Liedholm
Welsh footballer and manager
Welsh footballer and manager
Welsh international football forward who earned over 50 caps and later coached abroad.
Stuart Williams began his professional career with Tottenham Hotspur before moving to West Bromwich Albion. A dynamic forward, he was capped 53 times by Wales and scored 10 international goals. He featured in Wales’s historic run to the quarterfinals of the 1958 FIFA World Cup. After retiring from playing, he emigrated to Canada and embarked on a coaching career in the North American leagues. Williams is remembered as one of Wales’s most talented forwards of the 1950s.
Stuart Williams
American ice hockey player
American ice hockey player
Collegiate ice hockey star who helped the University of Michigan to national championships.
Walter 'Wally' Grant was a standout forward for the Michigan Wolverines, leading the team to NCAA titles in 1948 and 1951. Known for his speed and goal-scoring ability, he set school records and earned multiple all-star honors. After his collegiate success, he dedicated himself to coaching and developing youth hockey programs in Minnesota. His passion for the sport influenced countless young players and helped grow ice hockey in the region. Grant’s contributions were recognized with honors that celebrated his lifelong commitment to the game.
Wally Grant
American martial artist and actor
American martial artist and actor
American martial artist and actor renowned for choreographing iconic fight scenes and shaping martial arts cinema.
Pat E. Johnson (born 1939) is an American martial artist, actor, and choreographer best known for his work as fight coordinator on the original 'Karate Kid' films. A high-ranking black belt in Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo, he founded the Professional Karate Commission and served as technical advisor on numerous martial arts productions. Johnson’s expertise helped bring realistic, dynamic fight sequences to the big screen, influencing the visual language of action cinema. He also appeared on camera as sensei in various films and television shows, showcasing his skill and charisma. Throughout his career, Johnson mentored generations of martial artists, leaving a lasting legacy in both film and sport.
2023
Pat E. Johnson