The year 2024 saw the loss of numerous sporting icons across various disciplines, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports. From football legends to trailblazing athletes, here are some notable figures we bid farewell to.
American Football
O.J. Simpson passed away at 76 on April 10 from prostate cancer. Known for his illustrious NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills, his life was overshadowed by legal controversies, including a high-profile murder trial.
Athletics
Rebecca Cheptegei, a Kenyan marathon runner, was tragically murdered at 33 on September 5, highlighting the ongoing crisis of femicide in Kenya.
Canadian pole vaulter Shawn Barber succumbed to illness at 29 on January 17. Despite early success, including a world championship win at 21, his career faced setbacks.
Baseball
Willie Mays, one of baseball's greatest, died of heart failure at 93 on June 18. Famous for "The Catch" in the 1954 World Series, he remained a symbol of excellence.
Pete Rose, MLB’s all-time hit king, passed at 83 on September 30. Despite his remarkable career, his legacy was tainted by a lifetime ban for betting on games.
Boxing
Dingaan Thobela, South African boxing legend and three-time world champion, died at 57 on April 29. His career spanned both the apartheid and post-apartheid eras.
Cricket
Mike Procter, a pioneering South African allrounder, died of a heart attack at 77 on February 17. His career ended prematurely due to apartheid-era sanctions.
Graham Thorpe, a talented English batsman, tragically took his life at 55 on August 4, following a lifelong battle with depression.
Derek Underwood, an iconic English spinner, passed away at 78 on April 15, leaving behind a legacy of 297 Test wickets.
Football
Franz Beckenbauer, the legendary German footballer and coach, died at 78 on January 7. A two-time World Cup winner (as player and coach), his career defined an era of excellence.
Andreas Brehme, remembered for his decisive penalty in the 1990 World Cup final, passed at 63 on February 20.
Mario Zagallo, the only man to win the World Cup as both a player (1958, 1962) and coach (1970), died at 92 on January 5.
Rachid Mekhloufi, a symbol of Algerian independence and football pioneer, passed at 88 on November 8.
These losses remind us of the profound impact these athletes and figures had on their respective sports and beyond. Part II will continue to honor others who left us in 2024.
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