January 04

Born in 1911 in Poland, Iwanow-Szajnowicz moved to Greece as a child and discovered his affinity for aquatic sports. He quickly rose through the ranks in competitive swimming before joining the national water polo team. His powerful strokes and tactical awareness made him a standout player in European tournaments during the 1930s. Beyond the pool, he was admired for his dedication to training and sportsmanship. Though his life ended tragically in 1943, his athletic achievements remain an inspiration in Greek sporting history.

Donald Malcolm Campbell was born in 1921 into a family of speed record breakers. He broke seven world water speed records in the Bluebird boat series starting in 1955. In 1964, he set the land speed record at over 400 mph driving the Bluebird CN7. Campbell's daring pursuits captivated the public and advanced engineering in high-speed vehicles. He died in 1967 during a water speed record attempt on Coniston Water. Campbell remains a legendary figure in motorsports and speed record history.

Born in Fort William, Ontario in 1924, Bud Poile enjoyed a standout NHL career with teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Black Hawks, winning the Stanley Cup in 1943 and 1950. After retiring from play in 1954, he transitioned to coaching and management, serving with the Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Poile's leadership extended the growth of professional hockey in North America, and he was instrumental in team development and league expansion. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990 in recognition of his contributions on and off the ice. Poile passed away on January 4, 2005, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Coen Moulijn was one of the greatest Dutch wingers of his generation, celebrated for his speed, dribbling, and crossing ability. Born in 1937, he joined Feyenoord’s youth academy before making his first-team debut in 1955. Over a 17-year tenure with the club, Moulijn won four Eredivisie titles and the European Cup in 1970. He earned 38 caps for the Netherlands national team, representing his country in major international fixtures. Revered by fans as a smart and technically gifted player, he became an icon at De Kuip stadium. After retiring in 1972, he served Feyenoord in various roles, including youth coaching and ambassadorial duties. Moulijn’s legacy endures as a symbol of dedication and excellence in Dutch football.

Milton 'Milt' Schmidt (1918–2017) was a Hall of Fame Canadian ice hockey center renowned for his remarkable career with the Boston Bruins. Debuting in 1936, he formed the legendary 'Kraut Line' and earned multiple All-Star selections. After World War II service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Schmidt returned to help lead the Bruins to two Stanley Cup finals. Transitioning to leadership roles, he served as the team's head coach and later as general manager, guiding the franchise through rebuilding phases. In 1961, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame for his on-ice achievements. Schmidt's longevity in hockey extended into his centenarian years, where he remained a symbol of dedication to the sport.

Rosi Mittermaier became a national hero in Germany after winning two gold medals and a silver at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck. She dominated alpine skiing with her victories in the slalom and downhill, as well as silver in the giant slalom. Mittermaier secured the overall World Cup title in 1976, showcasing her consistency across disciplines. Known for her speed, technique, and fearless racing style, she inspired a generation of skiers. After retiring from competition, she remained active in sports promotion and charity work. Mittermaier's legacy endures as one of Germany's most successful winter athletes.