January 16

Born in 1876 in Sussex, Claude Buckenham was renowned for his pace bowling in county cricket. He played for Surrey and Essex, taking hundreds of wickets with his fast-medium deliveries. Off the field, he also competed as a footballer in the Southern League, showcasing his athletic versatility. After retiring from play, he dedicated himself to coaching and cricket administration, nurturing young talent. His commitment to both sports exemplified the spirit of Edwardian amateur athletics. Buckenham’s dual achievements left a lasting mark on English cricket and football before his death in 1937.

Born in 1880, Samuel Jones rose to prominence as one of America’s top high jumpers in the early 1900s. He represented the United States at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics, demonstrating impressive leaping skill. His elegant technique and consistency earned him acclaim at national track and field competitions. After retiring from competition, Jones dedicated himself to coaching and developing athletic programs. His passion for track and field helped popularize the high jump event in American sports. Jones’ achievements laid groundwork for future generations of American athletes.

Born in Tianjin, China, to Scottish missionary parents, Liddell excelled in athletics at Cambridge University. He won 400m gold and 200m bronze at the 1924 Paris Olympics, famously refusing to run heats on Sunday due to his Christian convictions. His story inspired the film 'Chariots of Fire'. After his athletic career, he returned to China as a missionary with the London Missionary Society. During World War II, he was interned by the Japanese in a civilian camp. Liddell died of a brain tumor in the camp in 1945.

Born in Montrouge, France, to English and French parents, Grover-Williams began racing in the 1920s. Driving for Bugatti, he won the first Monaco Grand Prix in 1929. He achieved several podium finishes in European Grand Prix races throughout the 1930s. During World War II, he volunteered for the British Special Operations Executive and operated in occupied France. He was captured by the Gestapo in 1943 and executed in 1945. His legacy endures in both motorsport and military history.

Born in Reval (now Tallinn), Estonia, in 1906, Brenner played as a forward for the Estonian national team. He earned multiple caps in the late 1920s, contributing to early Estonian football. Passionate about aviation, he trained as a pilot and served during World War II. After the war, Brenner emigrated to the United States, where he continued his career in aviation. He died in 1975, remembered for his dual achievements in sports and flying.

Sammy Crooks (1908–1981) was a celebrated English outside right. He began his professional career at Chesterfield before moving to Sunderland, where he became known for his pace and crossing ability. Crooks earned 26 caps for the England national team between 1929 and 1936, scoring six goals. After retiring from playing, he served as a coach and later as a director at Derby County, influencing the club’s development. His dedication to football and contributions off the pitch left a lasting legacy in English football.

Jay Hanna "Dizzy" Dean (1910–1974) was an American Major League Baseball pitcher renowned for his fastball and exuberant personality. He starred for the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1930s, leading them to a World Series title in 1934 and winning the National League’s Most Valuable Player award. Dean set a 30-win season in 1934 and was a four-time All-Star before injuries shortened his career. After retiring from pitching, he became a popular radio and television sportscaster, known for his folksy commentary. Dean’s memorable quotes and larger-than-life persona endeared him to baseball fans nationwide. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953.

Ivan McNeill Barrow (1911–1979) was a pioneering Jamaican wicket-keeper batsman for the West Indies cricket team. In 1930, he made history by scoring a century against Australia, becoming the first West Indian wicket-keeper to achieve the feat in Test cricket. Barrow represented Jamaica domestically and appeared in nine Test matches between 1930 and 1931. He was celebrated for his reliable glove work and steady batting under pressure. Barrow’s contributions laid the groundwork for future West Indian cricketing success.

Roger Lapébie (1911–1996) was a French professional cyclist best known for winning the 1937 Tour de France. He displayed tactical intelligence and strong time-trial abilities throughout the race, overtaking rivals in the final stages. Lapébie’s victory ended Belgium’s dominance and featured the first use of variable-speed derailleurs in the Tour’s winner’s equipment. He also claimed multiple stage wins across his career and competed in the 1947 Tour as well. Known for his resilience and adaptability, Lapébie continued to influence cycling tactics in the pre-war era. His achievements remain celebrated in the history of French cycling.

Victor Ciocâltea was a leading Romanian chess player who won the national championship eight times between 1952 and 1972. He earned the title of International Master in 1957 and competed in numerous Chess Olympiads representing Romania. Ciocâltea was admired for his creative openings and tactical prowess on the board. Beyond competition, he contributed to chess literature and coached young talents in his home country. His victories helped raise Romania’s profile in international chess during the Cold War era. Ciocâltea remained active in tournaments until his sudden death in 1983 at the age of 51. He is remembered as one of Romania’s greatest chess figures.

A. J. Foyt is a legendary American race car driver whose career has spanned over six decades. Born in Houston, Texas, he began racing midget cars before moving to USAC Championship Cars. Foyt captured Indianapolis 500 victories in 1961, 1964, 1967, and 1977, a record that still stands. He also won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, showcasing his versatility. Foyt founded his own racing team, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, which competes in IndyCar and NASCAR. His fearless driving style and competitive spirit earned him numerous Hall of Fame inductions. Foyt remains active in motorsports as a team owner and mentor to young drivers.

For decades, Udo Lattek dominated German and European football as a manager. Born in 1935, he led clubs like Borussia Mönchengladbach, Bayern Munich, and FC Barcelona, guiding them to numerous domestic and continental trophies. A visionary tactician and motivator, Lattek became one of the most decorated coaches in football history. After retiring, he transitioned to broadcasting, providing insightful analysis to a new generation of fans. His legacy endures through the countless players he mentored and the lasting impact of his strategic innovations.