December 12

Born in 1894 in Vivelstad, Norway, Haug excelled in cross-country skiing and ski jumping from a young age. At the inaugural 1924 Winter Olympics in Chamonix, he won gold in the 18 km and 50 km cross-country races and the Nordic combined. His Olympic success boosted the popularity of skiing in Norway and inspired future generations. Haug continued competing internationally, securing multiple national titles. He was celebrated for his endurance, technique, and sportsmanship. After retiring, he coached aspiring athletes and promoted the sport nationwide. Thorleif Haug remains one of Norway's most revered winter sports pioneers.

Born in 1880 in Vienna, Ruberl discovered a passion for swimming early in life. He competed for Austria in freestyle events at the 1900 Paris Olympics, part of the nation's first Olympic swimming team. After emigrating to the United States, Ruberl dedicated himself to coaching and developing aquatic clubs. His efforts helped bridge European and American swimming techniques in the early 20th century. Though records from his competitive career are limited, his influence persisted through his mentorship. Ruberl's story highlights the pioneering spirit of early Olympic athletes.

Richard Baggallay (1884–1975) was an English Army officer and first-class cricketer. Born into a distinguished military family, he served with distinction during World War I and rose to the rank of colonel. Off the field, Baggallay played for Hampshire and the Marylebone Cricket Club, earning recognition as a talented batsman. He combined discipline and sportsmanship throughout his career, embodying the ideals of fair play. Baggallay's dual dedication to military duty and cricket made him a respected figure in both arenas.

Paul Arizin (1928–2006) was an American basketball pioneer renowned for his smooth jump shot and competitive spirit. He played his entire NBA career with the Philadelphia Warriors from 1950 to 1962, earning ten consecutive All-Star selections and a scoring title. Arizin helped lead the Warriors to the 1956 NBA championship and won a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team in 1952. Following military service during the Korean War, he returned to the league and continued to excel. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978, he remains one of the franchise's all-time leading scorers. Arizin's legacy lives on through his influence on player shooting techniques and his contributions to basketball history.

Tom Walkinshaw began his motorsport career in hill climbs and sports car racing before moving to Formula One, where he drove for teams like McLaren. In 1976, he established Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), which became a powerhouse in touring car and sports car competitions. Under his leadership, TWR won multiple European Touring Car Championships with Volvo and Jaguar. Walkinshaw also managed Jaguar's return to Le Mans in the late 1980s, securing a second-place finish. His team later entered Formula One in partnership with Benetton, where they played a key role in Michael Schumacher's early career. Known for his engineering acumen and management skills, Walkinshaw expanded his operations into Australia with the Holden Racing Team. He continued to innovate in motorsport until his passing in 2010, leaving a legacy of competitive excellence.

David Tait began his professional rugby career with Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership, making his debut in 2008. Known for his speed, tenacity, and game intelligence, he also played for the England Sevens team and the England Saxons. Tait scored key tries in Premiership and European competitions, earning recognition as a promising talent. He studied business management at Exeter University alongside his sporting commitments. In December 2012, Tait was found dead in police custody in Las Vegas, leading to an international investigation. His untimely death at age 25 sparked discussions on player welfare and mental health. Remembered for his dedication on and off the field, Tait's legacy lives on through community rugby initiatives established in his name.

Born May 7, 1928 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Plews made his MLB debut with the Washington Senators in 1954 after starring at St. Petersburg Junior College. Known for his defensive versatility, he played second base, third base, and shortstop during his major league career. In 1956, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he continued as a reliable utility infielder. After leaving the majors, Plews played and coached in the minor leagues, mentoring young players. He is remembered for his steady play and contributions to his teams' infield depth during the 1950s.

Born April 18, 1942 in Utrecht, Netherlands. Geurtsen began his professional career with VV DOS, where he topped the Eredivisie scoring charts in 1963–64. His pace, positioning, and clinical finishing made him one of the league's most feared forwards. He earned nine caps for the Netherlands national team between 1962 and 1964, scoring three goals. After retiring due to injury, he remained active in football as a coach and youth trainer. Geurtsen is celebrated as one of DOS Den Haag's all-time greats and a standout figure of 1960s Dutch football.