July 02

Born in 1903, Douglas-Home was educated at Eton and Oxford, playing first-class cricket before entering politics. He served as Foreign Secretary and Leader of the House of Lords before becoming Prime Minister in 1963. His brief premiership focused on modernizing the Conservative Party and addressing economic challenges. After leaving office, he continued public service as a member of the House of Commons and international envoy. He died in 1995, remembered for his dignified leadership and contributions to British politics.

Born in 1904 in Paris, Lacoste became one of the 'Four Musketeers' who dominated tennis in the 1920s. He won seven Grand Slam singles titles and earned the nickname 'The Crocodile' for his tenacity. After retiring, he founded La Chemise Lacoste, introducing the now-famous polo shirt with the crocodile logo. The apparel brand became a global fashion staple, merging sportswear with elegance. Lacoste remained active in business until his death in 1996, leaving a lasting legacy in sports and fashion.

Born in Budapest as Károly Krausz, Kárpáti overcame anti-Semitism to become one of Hungary's greatest wrestlers. He won a silver medal at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics and captured gold at the 1936 Berlin Games. His career was interrupted by World War II and persecution under Nazi rule, but he survived and returned to the sport. After retiring, he served as a coach and professor at the Hungarian University of Physical Education, mentoring future champions. Kárpáti remained a beloved figure in Hungarian sports until his death in 1996, leaving a lasting legacy.

Born in France, Martin emerged as one of the nation’s top 800m runners in the late 1920s. He captured several French national titles and represented his country in international competitions across Europe. Known for his smooth running style and tactical acumen, he was a formidable competitor on the track. After retiring from competition, he dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring young athletes in his hometown. Martin’s achievements contributed to the development of middle-distance running in France.

Born in Derby, Parnell raced in the inaugural Formula One World Championship in the early 1950s, driving for Ferrari and his own team. Before Formula One, he won multiple sports car races across Europe and earned a reputation as a versatile driver. After a serious crash in 1954, he retired from driving and founded Reg Parnell Racing, managing works teams for Maserati and BRM. He nurtured talents such as Stirling Moss and influenced British motorsport with his strategic leadership. Parnell’s contributions helped lay the foundation for the United Kingdom’s enduring success in Formula One.

Reino Kangasmäki was a Finnish athlete specializing in Greco-Roman wrestling, competing in the featherweight category. He represented Finland at the 1948 London Olympics, where he reached the quarterfinals against top international opponents. Kangasmäki won multiple national titles, becoming one of Finland’s prominent wrestlers in the postwar era. His technical skill and dedication to the sport inspired a generation of Finnish grapplers. After retiring from competition, he contributed as a coach and mentor to young wrestlers in Finland. He passed away in 2010, remembered for his role in elevating Finnish wrestling on the world stage.

Kenny Wharram was a Canadian ice hockey right winger who played his entire National Hockey League career with the Chicago Black Hawks. Known for his speed and scoring ability, he was a key contributor to the team during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Wharram helped the Black Hawks win the Stanley Cup in 1961. He scored over 30 goals in multiple seasons and was respected for his consistent offensive play. Wharram retired in 1965 after a successful playing career. He was remembered by teammates and fans for his sportsmanship and dedication to the game. Wharram passed away in 2017, leaving a legacy in Canada's rich hockey history.

Richard Petty was born in 1937 in Level Cross, North Carolina, and became one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history. Known as "The King," he won a record 200 Cup Series races and claimed seven series championships between 1964 and 1979. Petty was praised for his smooth driving style, his iconic Petty Blue Plymouths and Fords, and his sportsmanship. After retiring from full-time racing, he served as a sportscaster and team owner, promoting the sport he helped popularize. He has been inducted into multiple motorsport halls of fame, and his legacy continues through the Petty family's lasting impact on racing.

Trinidadian sprinter Wendell Mottley rose to international prominence at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, winning a silver medal in the 400 metres. He followed with a gold medal performance in the 400 metres at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. After retiring from athletics, Mottley transitioned to public service, applying his economics expertise to national governance. He served as Minister of Housing and Planning and later as Minister of Finance and Planning in Trinidad and Tobago. Mottley also held diplomatic roles, including Ambassador to the United States, and contributed to global economic discussions. His multifaceted career exemplifies the blend of athletic excellence and economic leadership.

Anatoliy Solomin is a Ukrainian former race walker who represented the Soviet Union in international competitions during the 1970s and 1980s. Specializing in the 20 km walk, he won multiple national titles and competed at European and world championships. After retiring from competition, Solomin turned to coaching, mentoring a new generation of race walkers. He is known for his technical precision and endurance training methods. His athletes have achieved success on the European stage under his guidance.

Bret Hart, born in 1957 in Calgary, Alberta, is considered one of the greatest technical wrestlers in history. A member of the famed Hart wrestling family, he gained fame in the WWF during the 1980s and 1990s. Nicknamed 'The Hitman', Hart held multiple world titles and headlined major pay-per-views. His classic matches against Shawn Michaels and Stone Cold Steve Austin are legendary. After retiring due to injury, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice. Beyond the ring, Hart has written a memoir and continues to influence aspiring wrestlers.

Purvis Short, born in 1957 in Greensboro, North Carolina, enjoyed a 13-year NBA career primarily with the Golden State Warriors. A two-time All-Star, Short once averaged over 24 points per game and ranked among the league's top scorers in the early 1980s. Renowned for his quick release and shooting range, he set franchise records that stood for decades. After retiring, Short has participated in community outreach and youth basketball programs.