December 24

Emanuel Lasker was the second official World Chess Champion, holding the title from 1894 to 1921, a record reign. Born in 1868 in Germany, he combined competitive success with scholarly pursuits in mathematics and philosophy. Lasker developed theories in algebra and combinatorics and authored the philosophical work 'Struggle'. He emigrated to the United States in the 1930s to escape Nazi persecution. Known for his psychological approach to chess, he influenced generations of players. He died in 1941, regarded as one of the greatest thinkers in chess history.

Frederick Semple was an accomplished American golfer and tennis player born in 1872. He competed in regional tournaments during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as sports organizations emerged in the US. A versatile athlete, he demonstrated skill in both golf and tennis and contributed to their growing popularity. Semple later served in leadership roles at local clubs, promoting amateur competition. He died in 1927, remembered for his dual-sport prowess at a formative time in American athletics.

Émile Wegelin was a French rower born in 1875. He competed in competitive rowing events around the turn of the 20th century and was affiliated with local clubs along the Seine. His athletic contributions helped popularize the sport regionally. Wegelin lived through the modernization of rowing techniques and equipment. He died in 1962, leaving a legacy among early French rowing enthusiasts.

Ville Pörhölä (1897–1964) was a Finnish athlete specializing in the shot put and discus throw. He won the gold medal in shot put at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, establishing Finland's reputation in field events. Pörhölä also earned a silver medal in the discus throw at the 1924 Paris Olympics. His athletic achievements extended to national championships, where he set several Finnish records. After retiring from competition, he contributed to sports administration and coached young athletes. Pörhölä remains a celebrated figure in Finland's Olympic history.

Väinö Sipilä was born in 1897 and became one of Finland’s prominent distance runners. Known for his endurance, he specialized in races ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 meters. During the 1920s, he won multiple Finnish national championships and competed in international competitions. His performances helped solidify Finland’s reputation as a powerhouse in long-distance running. After retiring, he contributed to the sport as a coach and mentor to younger athletes. Sipilä passed away in 1987, remembered for his dedication to Finnish athletics.

Born in Munich in 1910, Ellen Braumüller emerged as one of Germany's prominent female javelin throwers in the 1930s. She represented her country in national and international athletics competitions. Braumüller was known for her strong throwing technique and helped advance women's track and field in Germany. In addition to javelin, she participated in multi-discipline sporting events, showcasing her versatility as an athlete. After retiring from competition, she remained active in local sports clubs and promoted athletic opportunities for women. She died in 1991, remembered as a pioneer in German women's athletics.

Born in the Södermalm district of Stockholm in 1929, he began his career in the Swedish leagues before moving to Italy to join Inter Milan in 1949. During his time at Inter, he earned acclaim for his creative playmaking and helped the club win two Serie A titles. He won a silver medal with Sweden at the 1958 FIFA World Cup, captaining the side on home soil. Off the pitch, his charismatic personality and unique style made him a fan favourite across Europe. Despite struggling with injuries and personal challenges later in life, he remains a celebrated icon in Swedish football history.

Born in Kingston, Ontario in 1929, Sullivan debuted in the NHL with the Boston Bruins as a teenager. Over a 12-year playing career, he also appeared for the Chicago Black Hawks and Montreal Canadiens, known for his physical style of play. After retiring in 1961, he transitioned to coaching, leading teams such as the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers. He was respected for his leadership behind the bench and contributions to developing young talent. Sullivan was honoured with induction into the Kingston and District Sports Hall of Fame. He passed away in 2019, remembered for his dedication to the sport both on and off the ice.

Born in Norwood, Massachusetts in 1930, Kelley emerged as one of America’s top marathoners in the 1950s. He won the Boston Marathon in 1957 and earned the nickname "Kelley the Younger" to distinguish him from an earlier champion. Kelley competed for the United States at the 1956 Melbourne and 1960 Rome Olympic Games. Known for his disciplined training and perseverance, he remained active in the running community as a coach and mentor. He set several American marathon records and helped popularize distance running during the postwar era. Kelley died in 2011, remembered for his contributions to American long-distance running.

Born in Poona, British India in 1932, Cowdrey moved to England as a child and displayed prodigious talent in cricket. He made his Test debut for England at the age of 20 and went on to play 114 Test matches, scoring over 7,600 runs. Cowdrey captained England between 1968 and 1970, leading the team with composure and strategic acumen. In 1978 he became the first professional cricketer to receive a knighthood, a testament to his impact on the game. After retirement, he served in administrative roles, including President of the Marylebone Cricket Club. Cowdrey’s elegant strokeplay and leadership ensured his lasting reputation as one of England’s greatest batsmen.

Félix (1937-2012) was a Brazilian footballer who made his mark on the pitch before becoming a respected manager. His playing career spanned several top-tier Brazilian clubs, where he was admired for his leadership and tactical insight. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to management and guided teams through challenging domestic competitions. Known for his strategic approach, Félix earned the respect of players and peers alike across Brazil's football community. Across decades, he influenced coaching methods and left a lasting legacy in Brazilian football.

Born in Munich, Keller took to the ice at a young age and quickly rose through national competitions. He specialized in the 500m event, claiming Olympic gold in Grenoble 1968 and Sapporo 1972. During his career, he set multiple world records in sprint distances and dominated European championships. After retiring from competition, he dedicated himself to coaching and developing Germany’s next generation of skaters. He later served as a sports official, promoting speed skating across Europe.