Light Wave

Sports

On This Day in Sports - March 24

By Jake Beardslee · March 24, 2024

From the breathtaking feats that redefined the limits of human endurance to the memorable clashes that captured the hearts of millions, each day carves its own niche in the rich tapestry of sports history.

Join us as we dive into the exhilarating world of sports, celebrating the moments of triumph, the instances of heartbreak, and the unwavering spirit of competition that have defined the careers of athletes across generations.

So, lace up your sneakers, and prepare to relive the legendary performances and moments in sports that took place on this day, March 24.  Unsplash

Netherlands' Historic Victory Over England

On March 24, 1913, Dutch forward Huug de Groot scored twice as the Netherlands secured their first-ever victory against England with a 2-1 win at HBS, The Hague.  PD-US/Wikimedia

Glenn Miller's Silver Screen Debut

On March 24, 1941, renowned big band leader and jazz composer Glenn Miller began working on his first film, "Sun Valley Serenade," starring figure skater and actress Sonja Henie.  (IOC Olympic Museum, Switzerland)/Wikimedia

The Griffith-Paret Boxing Tragedy

On March 24, 1962, Emile Griffith defeated Benny "Kid" Paret in a welterweight boxing title fight, but Paret tragically died 10 days later, marking the first use of television slow-motion replay.  http://www.ninobenvenuti.it/foto_gallery.php#36/Wikimedia

Magic Johnson's Triple-Double Masterclass

On March 24, 1979, NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson recorded a triple-double for Michigan State, securing a 101-67 victory over Penn.  Jayne Kamin, Los Angeles Times/Wikimedia

Bombay's Ranji Trophy Cricket Triumph

On March 24, 1981, Bombay defeated Delhi by an innings and 46 runs to win the prestigious Ranji Trophy cricket tournament.  shyamearth/Wikimedia

Martina Navratilova's Tennis Dominance

On March 24, 1985, tennis legend Martina Navratilova won her third straight WTA Tour Championship, defeating Helena Suková at Madison Square Garden.  Robbie Mendelson/Wikimedia

Jimmy Connors' Controversial Suspension

On March 24, 1986, the Men's International Professional Tennis Council announced Jimmy Connors' 10-week suspension and $20,000 fine for storming off the court after defaulting against Ivan Lendl.  Koen Suyk / Anefo/Wikimedia

Ayrton Senna's Brazilian Grand Prix Triumph

On March 24, 1991, Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna achieved his first Brazilian Grand Prix win at Interlagos, São Paulo.  madagascarica from Verneuil Grand, France/Wikimedia

The Infamous Sandpaper Gate Scandal

On March 24, 2018, Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera rubbing the match ball with an object during the third Cricket Test in Cape Town, resulting in a ball-tampering scandal.  Mattinbgn (talk · contribs)/Wikimedia

Mike Trout's Record-Breaking Contract

On March 24, 2019, two-time American League MVP Mike Trout signed the biggest contract in North American sports history, a $426.5 million, 12-year extension with the Los Angeles Angels.  Keith Allison from Owings Mills, USA/Wikimedia

Rob Gronkowski's Retirement Announcement

On March 24, 2019, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement as a three-time Super Bowl winner, holding postseason records for receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.  Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from Washington D.C, United States/Wikimedia

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics Postponement

On March 24, 2020, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe announced the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games until summer 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan/Wikimedia