Technology Topic: Pioneers of Sports

An eternal spotlight, competitive spirit and will to win drive sporting legends to break the mould, smash records and ultimately leave their mark on the world of sport. Some invented original techniques; others questioned social boundaries. ON filtered the great from the good. Find out who made the cut.

1913 - 1980

Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens had a dream. Refusing to be intimidated by the attitudes of the time, he won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics under the disgruntled gaze of a certain moustachioed spectator.

1919 - 1972

Jackie Robinson

Despite racial slurs, death threats and even snubs from his own teammates, Jackie Robinson persevered as the first AfricanAmerican Major League Baseball player, changing the face of history. His shirt number, 42, has been retired by every Major League team.

1927 - 2003

Althea Gibson

A pioneer of sport and society, Gibson became the first African-American person in tennis to prove the racists and bigots wrong, winning a total of 11 Grand Slam titles during the 1950s before joining the Pro Golf Tour.

1945 - present

Eddy Merckx

Aside from Eddy “The Cannibal” Merckx’s long list of records on the bike, his eye for detail paved the way for the minimal gains such as diet, recovery and technical modifications seen today.

1942 - present

Muhammad Ali

With his trademark “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” style, underwater training and influence on social issues, the most iconic boxer of all time truly deserves a place as a sports pioneer.

1947 - present

Richard Fosbury

“Dick” Fosbury came first in the 1968 Olympic Games thanks to his revolutionary back-first “Fosbury Flop” technique, used by almost all high jumpers today.

1981 - present

Roger Federer

On and off the tennis court, Federer exudes class. His personal brand, philanthropy and sporting legacy have secured his spot as a sporting great.

1964 - present

Violet Palmer

In 1997, Violet Palmer broke the glass ceiling when she was appointed as the first female referee, reaching new heights in the male-dominated basketball world.

1884 - 1957

Alice Milliat

The unsung heroine Alice Milliat helped to form the International Women’s Sports Federation and lobbied to have women’s events included in the Olympics.