February 12

Bep van Klaveren won the lightweight boxing gold medal at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, thrilling home crowds with his aggressive style. Nicknamed The Dutch Windmill for his relentless punches, he turned professional after the Games and secured European titles. Van Klaveren’s charismatic personality and fighting spirit made him a national hero in the Netherlands. His career spanned over two decades, during which he faced some of the era’s best fighters before retiring as one of Dutch boxing’s greatest icons.

Tom Landry was an American football player and coach born in Mission, Texas in 1924. He played college football at the University of Texas and served as a defensive back for the New York Yankees of the All-America Football Conference. In 1960, he became the first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys and held the position for 29 seasons. Landry introduced the Flex Defense and was known for wearing his trademark fedora on the sideline. He led the Cowboys to five Super Bowl appearances and won two championships. Landry retired in 1988 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.

John Eriksen was born in 1957 in Copenhagen and began his professional career with local club Boldklubben 1909. He moved to Belgium in the late 1970s and became a top scorer for K.S.K. Beveren. Eriksen later played for FC Twente and Feyenoord in the Netherlands, where he continued to find the back of the net regularly. He also earned caps for the Danish national team, representing his country in international competition. Known for his clinical finishing and intelligent movement, Eriksen amassed over 250 career goals. He passed away in 2002 after battling a heart condition.

Nodar Kumaritashvili was born in 1988 in Bakuriani, Georgia and began luging at a young age. He represented Georgia in multiple World Cup events and narrowly missed qualifying for the 2006 Winter Olympics. As the sole Georgian athlete at the 2010 Vancouver Games, he competed on the Whistler Sliding Centre track. During a practice run just hours before the opening ceremony, Kumaritashvili suffered a fatal crash at high speed. His death led to immediate changes in track safety measures and ongoing discussions about athlete protection. He is remembered for his dedication and passion for the sport.

Born in Brisbane in 1928, Flannery emerged as a powerful runner and tactician in Australian rugby league. He represented his country with distinction, earning admiration for his skill and sportsmanship. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, guiding teams to success at both club and regional levels. Flannery was known for his ability to mentor young talent and foster team unity. His influence helped shape the modern game in Australia. Even after stepping away from coaching, he remained an active ambassador, promoting rugby league’s growth. His passion and dedication left a lasting mark on the sport.

Dominique D'Onofrio (1953-2016) was an Italian-born Belgian football player and coach renowned for his long association with Standard Liège. After a modest playing career as a midfielder, he transitioned into coaching and joined the Standard Liège staff in the late 1980s. He served as head coach from 2003 to 2006 and again in 2012, guiding the team to success in national cup competitions. D'Onofrio was respected for his tactical acumen and his ability to develop young talent. He later took on various director roles at the club, influencing Belgian football beyond the pitch. His dedication to Standard Liège left a lasting legacy in the club's history.

Born in 1937, Banks launched his professional career with Chesterfield before starring for Leicester City and Stoke City. He earned 73 caps for England and was the starting goalkeeper in their 1966 World Cup victory. Banks is celebrated for the “Save of the Century” against Pelé during the 1970 World Cup. He was appointed an OBE for his contributions to football and remained a popular ambassador for the game. His agility, consistency, and sportsmanship set a high standard for goalkeepers worldwide. Banks passed away in 2019, but his legacy endures in the annals of football history.

Born in 1942, Morales began wrestling in 1959 and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1971, he defeated Ivan Koloff to become the first Latino WWWF World Heavyweight Champion. He also held the United States and Intercontinental titles, showcasing his versatility. After retiring from the ring, Morales served as a commentator and trainer, influencing future talent. His charisma and skill helped popularize professional wrestling in Hispanic communities worldwide. Morales passed away in 2019, remembered as a pioneer and beloved figure in the sport.