Swiss cyclist
Swiss cyclist
Swiss cycling champion, first non-Italian to win the Giro d'Italia and winner of the 1951 Tour de France.
Born in 1925 near Zürich, Koblet rose to prominence after World War II.
In 1950, he became the first foreigner to win the Giro d'Italia.
He followed up by claiming the Tour de France title in 1951 with graceful and powerful riding.
Nicknamed 'Le Pédaleur de Charme' for his elegant style and charisma.
His victories in classics and grand tours made him a European sports icon before his untimely death in 1964.
1964
Hugo Koblet
Swiss cyclist
Swiss cyclist
Swiss professional cyclist renowned for victories in classic one-day races during the 1920s.
Born in 1899 in Bollingen, Switzerland, Suter turned professional in 1920.
In 1923, he won both Paris–Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders, a rare double.
He defended his Tour of Flanders title in 1924, cementing his status among cycling greats.
Known for his resilience and tactical acumen on tough terrains.
After retiring, he remained involved in the sport by mentoring younger riders until his death in 1978.
1978
Heiri Suter
Canadian wrestler
Canadian wrestler
Sky Low Low was a pioneering Canadian professional wrestler noted for his charismatic in-ring persona. He helped popularize midget wrestling worldwide.
Born Marcel Gauthier in 1928, he adopted the ring name Sky Low Low and began wrestling in the 1940s. Standing just over four feet tall, he became one of the most celebrated figures in midget wrestling. His colorful costumes, technical skill, and aerial maneuvers thrilled audiences across North America and Europe. He headlined shows in Madison Square Garden and toured with major wrestling promotions. Over a career spanning five decades, Sky Low Low helped bring midget wrestling into the mainstream. He remained active in the sport until shortly before his death in 1998. His legacy lives on in the many performers he inspired.
1998
Sky Low Low
Dutch swimmer and coach
Dutch swimmer and coach
Rie Mastenbroek was a Dutch Olympic champion swimmer who dominated the 1936 Berlin Games, winning three gold medals.
Born in 1919 in Rotterdam, Mastenbroek rose to prominence as a talented freestyle and backstroke swimmer. At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, she captured gold in the 100m freestyle, 400m freestyle, and 4×100m freestyle relay, plus a silver in the 100m backstroke. Her performance made her one of the youngest and most successful athletes at the Games. After retiring from competition, she dedicated herself to coaching the next generation of swimmers. Mastenbroek's achievements helped elevate Dutch swimming on the world stage. She was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame for her outstanding career. Her legacy lives on as a trailblazer for female athletes before her passing in 2003.
Rie Mastenbroek
Australian footballer, manager, and sportscaster
Australian footballer
manager
and sportscaster
Johnny Warren was an Australian soccer icon and former captain of the Socceroos. He later became a respected manager and broadcaster dedicated to growing football in Australia.
Born in 1943, Warren represented Australia at the 1974 FIFA World Cup, earning widespread admiration for his leadership. Known as 'Captain Socceroo', he captained the national team in over 30 international matches. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching and became a pioneering football commentator on television. Warren campaigned tirelessly for the establishment of a national professional league, which eventually led to the creation of the A-League. He was awarded the Order of Australia for his contributions to sport and the community. Warren's passion and advocacy left an indelible mark on Australian football culture. His legacy is celebrated annually through the Johnny Warren Medal, awarded to the country's best player.
2004
Johnny Warren
Spanish skier
Spanish skier
Francisco Fernández Ochoa was a Spanish alpine skier celebrated for winning Spain's first Winter Olympic gold medal. His triumph in the slalom at the 1972 Sapporo Games made history.
Born in 1950 in Madrid, Fernández Ochoa took up skiing in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. He competed in three Winter Olympics, establishing himself as one of Spain's top winter sports athletes. At the 1972 Sapporo Olympics, he captured the gold in slalom, marking Spain's first Winter Olympic victory. His success brought unprecedented attention to skiing in his home country. After retiring, he remained involved in sports administration and coaching. Fernández Ochoa's legacy continued through the achievements of his younger sister, Blanca, who also became an Olympic medalist. He passed away in 2006, leaving behind a lasting impact on Spanish winter sports.
2006
Francisco Fernández Ochoa
Mexican-Puerto Rican basketball player
Mexican-Puerto Rican basketball player
Federico López was a Mexican-Puerto Rican basketball player known for his career in Puerto Rico's top professional league. He was admired for his scoring ability and leadership on the court.
Born in 1962, López moved to Puerto Rico and joined the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN), the island's premier basketball league. He played as a guard for multiple teams, earning a reputation for his scoring prowess and tenacious defense. López represented Puerto Rico in international competitions, including regional tournaments in Central and South America. Over a career spanning more than a decade, he became a fan favorite for his competitive spirit. After retiring, he contributed to youth basketball programs, mentoring aspiring players. López's impact on Puerto Rican basketball helped elevate the sport's profile in the 1980s and 1990s. He passed away suddenly in 2006, leaving a legacy as one of the league's memorable talents.
Federico López
Australian footballer and sportscaster
Australian footballer and sportscaster
Australian rules footballer and sportscaster known for his playing career with South Fremantle and long-running commentary on ABC Radio.
George Grljusich (1939–2007) was an Australian rules footballer and sportscaster. He played as a ruckman for the South Fremantle Football Club in the WANFL during the 1950s. After retiring, he became a beloved commentator for ABC Radio in Western Australia. He hosted post-game analysis shows and interviews with athletes, earning praise for his deep knowledge of the game. His insightful commentary and engaging style made him a household name among fans. He is remembered as one of Western Australia’s most respected voices in football broadcasting.
George Grljusich
American football and baseball player
American football and baseball player
American professional athlete known for his dual career in football and baseball.
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Ace Parker was a standout at Duke University before becoming a quarterback for the NFL’s Brooklyn Dodgers from 1937 to 1940. He also played shortstop for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1939. After serving as a naval officer in World War II, he coached football at William & Mary. Parker set multiple passing records and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972. He remained active in sports well into his later years, living to 101, and is celebrated as one of America’s greatest dual-sport athletes.
Ace Parker
English footballer and manager
English footballer and manager
English professional footballer and manager known for his career with Liverpool and leadership roles at Chelsea.
Born in Liverpool in 1937, Bobby Campbell began his career as a winger for Liverpool FC, making over 80 league appearances in the 1950s. He later played for Chester before moving into coaching. Campbell joined Chelsea FC’s staff, serving as assistant manager and twice stepping in as caretaker manager. In 1980, he took the helm at Fulham FC, guiding the club through several challenging seasons. Known for his tactical understanding and ability to mentor young players, he left a lasting impact on English football. Campbell passed away in 2015, revered by colleagues and fans alike.
2015
Bobby Campbell