July 05

Born into the Pourtalès family in 1870 in Switzerland. He captained the sailing yacht Lérina at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris. His team secured the gold medal in the 1–2 ton class, marking Switzerland's first Olympic sailing victory. Apart from his Olympic success, he was known for his passion for yachting and navigation. He passed away in 1935, remembered as a pioneer of Swiss competitive sailing.

Born in 1884 in the United States. He played as an amateur and professional golfer during the early 20th century. He participated in regional and national tournaments, though detailed records are limited. His career contributed to the popularization of golf in America. He passed away in 1937, remembered by golf historians for his role in the sport's development.

Born in 1909 in the Dominican Republic, Rubirosa excelled in both motorsports and polo. He represented his country as a polo champion and set speed records in European grand prix races. Rubirosa also served as a diplomat, holding posts in Argentina and France. Known for his charisma and jet-setting lifestyle, he was linked romantically to several Hollywood stars. His lavish taste and numerous marriages made him a colorful figure in mid-20th century society. Tragically, Rubirosa died in a car accident in 1965 at the height of his fame.

Born in 1910, Giesler excelled as a defender in early American soccer leagues. He represented the United States at international matches, including Olympic qualifiers. After retiring as a player, he became a respected referee in national and regional competitions. Giesler officiated matches in the FIFA World Cup qualifying rounds and the Pan American Games. He also served as a coach and administrator, helping to organize youth soccer programs. Giesler's lifelong dedication helped lay the foundations for modern soccer in America.

Born in 1916, Sid Luckman starred as a college quarterback at Columbia University before joining the NFL. He led the Chicago Bears from 1939 to 1950, securing four NFL championships and earning MVP honors. Luckman's mastery of the T-formation transformed professional football's offensive strategies. He retired with a then-record 794 career completions and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. His innovative play and leadership left a lasting legacy on the game of football.

Ted Williams was born in 1918 and debuted with the Boston Red Sox in 1939, beginning a 19-year career. He posted a career batting average of .344, winning two American League MVP awards and six batting titles. Williams served as a pilot in both World War II and the Korean War, missing nearly five seasons. He was the last major leaguer to hit over .400 in a season, batting .406 in 1941. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1966, Williams remained an iconic figure until his death in 2002.

Rodger Ward was born in 1921 and began his racing career in midget cars and sprint cars. He won the Indianapolis 500 twice, in 1959 and 1962, and claimed the 1959 National Championship. Known for his smooth driving style, Ward excelled on circuits across the United States and Europe. After retiring from racing, he became a respected motorsports commentator and TV personality. His contributions to racing safety and promotion helped popularize auto racing in America.

Gert Fredriksson (1919–2006) was a Swedish sprint canoeist who dominated the sport in the post-war era. He competed in five Summer Olympics between 1948 and 1964, winning six gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. His six Olympic gold medals stood as a record for male canoeists for decades. Fredriksson also achieved success at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships, earning several medals. Known for his powerful stroke and remarkable endurance, he set new standards in canoe racing. After retiring, he remained active in sports administration and was celebrated in Sweden for his achievements.

Bob Probert (1965–2010) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player best known for his physical style of play and toughness on the ice. He spent the majority of his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, earning a reputation as one of the league's most feared enforcers. In addition to his fighting, Probert contributed offensively, recording over 100 career goals and 300 assists. After retiring in 2002, he became a radio host, sharing his insights on the game and life in hockey. Probert openly battled substance abuse and became an advocate for player health and well-being. His combination of skill, grit, and personal resilience made him a memorable figure in hockey history.

Rob Goris (1982–2012) was a Belgian professional road cyclist known for his time-trial prowess. He competed in European stage races and national competitions, showcasing his endurance and speed. Goris began his career in Belgium's amateur cycling circuit before stepping up to professional teams. He earned a reputation for his dedication to training and teamwork. His sudden death at age 29 was mourned by the cycling community and fans alike.

Brett Wiesner (1983–2014) was an American soccer player. He competed at youth and professional levels across various U.S. leagues. Known for his dedication and team-oriented play, he earned respect on and off the field. His career, though brief, showcased his passion for the sport and leadership qualities. Wiesner's untimely passing at the age of 31 was mourned by teammates and fans alike.

Vic Seixas (1923–2024) was an American tennis player and Grand Slam champion. He won the Wimbledon singles title in 1953 and secured victories at the U.S. Open and Australian Championships. A key member of the U.S. Davis Cup team, he helped secure international titles for his country. Seixas was known for his powerful serve-and-volley style and competitive spirit. His achievements in the 1950s helped popularize tennis and inspired future generations of players.