Sports Legends Shine on February 13

From Olympic gold medalists to NBA All-Star MVPs, February 13 has witnessed many iconic moments in sports history.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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February is a busy month for sports, with events ranging from the NBA and NHL seasons to the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics. Over the years, February 13 has seen its fair share of notable sporting achievements, from speed skating and figure skating champions to basketball legends and Hall of Famers. This article highlights some of the most significant sports moments that have occurred on this date.

Why it matters

February 13 has long been a significant date in the sports world, with a rich history of record-breaking performances, championship victories, and the emergence of iconic athletes. By revisiting these moments, we gain a deeper appreciation for the evolution of various sports and the legacies of the legends who have shaped them.

The details

Some of the most memorable sports moments on February 13 include: speed skater Clas Thunberg winning his fourth Olympic gold medal in 1928, tennis player Jack Crawford retaining his Australian Open title in 1932, figure skater Maribel Vinson winning her ninth U.S. championship in 1937, boxer Rocky Marciano knocking out Gino Buonvino for his 40th straight win in 1952, and college basketball player Frank Selvey scoring a record 100 points for Furman in 1954. In more recent history, figure skater Dorothy Hamill won gold at the 1976 Innsbruck Olympics, and the NBA All-Star Game has featured legendary performances, such as Julius Erving's MVP awards in 1977 and 1983, as well as the shared MVP honor between Tim Duncan and Shaquille O'Neal in 2000.

  • On February 13, 1928, speed skater Clas Thunberg won his fourth Olympic gold medal.
  • On February 13, 1932, tennis player Jack Crawford retained his Australian Open title.
  • On February 13, 1937, figure skater Maribel Vinson won her ninth U.S. figure skating championship.
  • On February 13, 1952, boxer Rocky Marciano knocked out Gino Buonvino for his 40th straight win.
  • On February 13, 1954, college basketball player Frank Selvey scored a record 100 points for Furman.

The players

Clas Thunberg

A speed skater who won four Olympic gold medals, including one on February 13, 1928.

Jack Crawford

A tennis player who retained his Australian Open title on February 13, 1932, and went on to win the tournament four times.

Maribel Vinson

A figure skater who won her ninth U.S. figure skating championship on February 13, 1937.

Rocky Marciano

A boxer who knocked out Gino Buonvino for his 40th straight win on February 13, 1952.

Frank Selvey

A college basketball player who scored a record 100 points for Furman on February 13, 1954.

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The takeaway

February 13 has long been a significant date in the sports world, with a rich history of record-breaking performances, championship victories, and the emergence of iconic athletes. By revisiting these moments, we gain a deeper appreciation for the evolution of various sports and the legacies of the legends who have shaped them.