Boxing:
* James "Jem" Mace (1833-1910): Known as the "Champion of England," Mace was a dominant boxer who held the title for 12 years. He was also a pioneer of the "science of boxing," emphasizing technique and strategy.
Cricket:
* W.G. Grace (1848-1915): Often dubbed the "Father of Cricket," Grace was a prolific batsman and all-round cricketer. His dominance over the sport was unparalleled, and he was a true icon of Victorian England.
* Ranji Singh (1872-1933): A famous Indian cricketer, Ranji was a brilliant batsman and captain who played a pivotal role in popularizing cricket in India.
Rowing:
* Harry Clasper (1812-1870): A renowned English rower, Clasper was a champion of the Tyne rowing scene. His teams dominated races, and he became a symbol of the region's rowing prowess.
Track and Field:
* C.J. "Con" Murphy (1860-1933): An American athlete, Murphy was a record-breaking sprinter and high jumper. He competed in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and he was a pioneering figure in the development of track and field.
* Frederick "Fritz" Schmidt (1869-1936): A German athlete, Schmidt was a champion runner and jumper. He was a key figure in the development of the sport in Germany and beyond.
Other Sports:
* John L. Sullivan (1858-1918): An American boxer who held the heavyweight title for nearly 10 years. He was a national sensation and a symbol of American grit.
* Walter Camp (1859-1925): While not a player himself, Camp was instrumental in developing and popularizing American football. He is often called the "Father of American Football."
* Lord Byron (1788-1824): Though he lived at the end of the 18th century, Byron's influence on sports, especially rowing, extended into the 19th century. He was a celebrated athlete and his image helped to elevate rowing as a gentleman's sport.
Important Note: This list is not exhaustive, and there were many other noteworthy athletes in the 19th century. It's also worth noting that women were often excluded from organized sports and had limited opportunities to compete. The emergence of sports heroes in the 19th century reflected a changing society where sports were becoming increasingly popular, organized, and professionalized.