Part II of AFP's annual remembrance of sports legends pays tribute to several notable figures lost in 2024, including luminaries from gymnastics, motorcycling, rallying, rugby, snooker, swimming, tennis, and wrestling.
GYMNASTICS
Bela Karolyi, 82, passed away on November 15. The Romanian-born Hungarian coach famously led Nadia Comaneci to the first-ever Olympic "Perfect 10" in gymnastics at the 1976 Montreal Games. Karolyi, who later defected to the U.S., played a pivotal role in shaping modern gymnastics. Comaneci’s emotional tribute reflected his influence on her life and the sport.
MOTORCYCLING
Pat Hennen, 70, who made history as the first American to win a Grand Prix (Finland, 1976), died on April 6. A crash at the 1978 Isle of Man TT ended his career prematurely.
RALLYING
Kenjiro Shinozuka, the first Japanese winner of the Paris-Dakar Rally (1997), succumbed to pancreatic cancer on March 18. Known as "Lightning Shinozuka," his legacy included philanthropic efforts in Africa.
RUGBY LEAGUE
Rob Burrow, 41, died of Motor Neurone Disease (June 2). Despite his small stature, he was a giant in rugby league, earning eight Super League titles. His advocacy for MND awareness inspired millions.
RUGBY UNION
Welsh rugby saw several losses. Barry John, "The King," died at 79 on February 4. JPR Williams, 74, a star full-back, succumbed to bacterial meningitis on January 8. Andre Boniface, a symbol of "French flair," passed at 89 (April 9). Geoff Wheel, 73, remembered for his resilience and church service, died on December 26.
SNOOKER
Ray Reardon, 91, nicknamed "Dracula," passed away on July 19. The six-time world champion was a key figure in snooker’s golden era.
SWIMMING
David Wilkie, 70, an Olympic gold medalist in 1976, died on May 22. He was celebrated for holding simultaneous British, Commonwealth, European, world, and Olympic titles.
TENNIS
Australian icon Neale Fraser, 91, passed on after a stellar career and years of Davis Cup leadership. Robert Lansdorp, 85, a celebrated coach to champions like Tracy Austin, Pete Sampras, and Maria Sharapova, died on September 16.
WRESTLING
Levian Tediashvili, a Georgian wrestling legend and actor, died at 75 on February 17. His dual Olympic victories and wartime sacrifices epitomized resilience.
Their contributions to their respective sports and beyond remain enduring legacies.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0