December 04

Born in 1903, Tamanishiki San'emon quickly made his mark in professional sumo with his remarkable strength and technique. He achieved the prestigious rank of the 32nd Yokozuna in 1932, symbolizing the highest honor in sumo wrestling. During his career, he captivated fans with his dynamic bouts and sportsmanship. He maintained a record of fierce competition against top rivals of his era, including several memorable championship matches. His popularity extended beyond the dohyo as he embodied the spirit and tradition of sumo in prewar Japan. Tamanishiki's untimely death in 1938 at age 35 cut short a remarkable career, but his legacy endures in sumo history.

Born in 1879, Roger Bresnahan earned acclaim as a versatile catcher and outfielder in Major League Baseball. He debuted with the Baltimore Orioles and later starred with the New York Giants at the turn of the century. Bresnahan is credited with one of the earliest uses of a protective batting helmet in 1907, showcasing his forward-thinking approach. After retiring as a player, he managed teams including the St. Louis Cardinals, earning respect for his leadership. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1945, cementing his impact on the sport. Bresnahan’s blend of skill, innovation, and character left a lasting mark on baseball history.

Richárd Weisz, born in 1879, was a dominant figure in Greco-Roman wrestling. He claimed the gold medal in the heavyweight category at the 1908 London Olympics. Weisz also secured multiple national and European titles, showcasing his strength and technique. His success inspired a generation of Hungarian wrestlers and elevated the sport’s profile in his homeland. After retiring from competition, he remained active in wrestling as a coach and mentor. His legacy endures as one of the pioneers of Hungarian wrestling excellence.

Born in 1911 in Poland, Stanisława Walasiewicz moved to the United States as a child with her family. Competing for Poland, she won the gold medal in the 100 metres at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Walasiewicz set multiple world records and earned silver medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Her remarkable speed and endurance made her one of the leading sprinters of her era. In 1980, she died during a robbery in Indianapolis, and later examinations revealed she was intersex.

Don Warrington was a celebrated Canadian football fullback who played for the BC Lions during the 1970s. He was known for his powerful running and blocking skills, leading to multiple Grey Cup appearances. Warrington's dynamic play was instrumental in securing the Lions’ 1974 Grey Cup victory. After retiring, he dedicated himself to youth sports development, mentoring young athletes across British Columbia. His legacy lives on through the passionate fan base and the enduring respect of the Canadian football community.

Iggy Katona was born in Michigan in 1916 and began racing on local dirt tracks in the 1940s. He became a dominant figure in stock car racing, winning three ARCA championships and over 600 feature events. Katona competed well into his seventies, setting records for longevity and consistency. He was known for his smooth driving style and sportsmanship, earning respect from fellow racers and fans alike. He was inducted into several racing halls of fame in recognition of his impact on American motorsport. Katona passed away in 2003, leaving a legacy as one of the most enduring competitors in stock car history.

King Curtis Iaukea began his wrestling career in the 1950s, portraying various masked characters before adopting the regal King Curtis identity. Born in Houston, Texas, in 1937, he competed in promotions across the United States, Japan, and Australia. Iaukea held multiple titles, including the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship and the IWA World Heavyweight Championship. He was celebrated for his dramatic flair, elaborate ring attire, and charismatic interviews that enhanced the spectacle of professional wrestling. Later in his career, he trained younger wrestlers and contributed to the sport as a mentor and promoter. He passed away in 2010, remembered as a pioneering showman who helped shape modern wrestling entertainment.

Full name Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira, he was a creative midfielder for Brazil and Corinthians. He captained the national team at the 1982 FIFA World Cup and was celebrated for his elegant playing style and vision. Off the pitch, he earned a medical degree and inspired the 'Democracia Corinthiana' movement demanding more player involvement. He later had a brief stint as a club manager in England and became a cultural icon in Brazil. Sócrates's blend of athletic skill, intellectual engagement, and activism left a lasting impact on football and society.

Miguel Calero began his professional career with Deportivo Cali before becoming a stalwart goalkeeper for C.F. Pachuca in Mexico. He helped Pachuca win multiple Liga MX titles and four CONCACAF Champions' Cups between 2001 and 2007. Calero earned over 60 caps for the Colombian national team and represented his country in Copa América tournaments. After retiring as a player, he served as a goalkeeping coach and briefly managed clubs in Mexico and Colombia. His leadership, agility, and consistency made him one of the most respected goalkeepers in CONCACAF history.

Patrick Tambay was a French race car driver born in 1949. He competed in Formula One from 1977 to 1986, driving for teams such as McLaren and Ferrari. Tambay won two Grand Prix races, demonstrating resilience and skill on the track. After retiring from racing, he remained involved in motorsports as a commentator and team advisor. Tambay was admired for his sportsmanship and dedication to safety in racing. He died in 2022, leaving a legacy in international motorsport.