On this day: July 24
1904 Olympic Marathoner Collapses Dehydrated and Hallucinating
At the 1904 Olympic marathon in St. Louis on July 24, a competitor finished in an extreme state of dehydration and reported hallucinations amid brutal heat, dust, and scant official support—an episode that highlighted the era's limited understanding of endurance medicine.
1904 Olympic Marathoner Collapses Dehydrated and Hallucinating
During the notoriously chaotic 1904 Olympic marathon in St. Louis, a competitor collapsed in extreme heat, suffering dehydration and hallucinations that highlighted the era’s lack of medical support and race planning.
The Pine Tar Incident: George Brett's 1983 Home Run Overturned
On July 24, 1983, a routine ninth-inning home run by Kansas City Royals slugger George Brett was nullified after Yankees manager Billy Martin contested excessive pine tar on Brett’s bat, triggering a controversial ejection and an unprecedented protest that altered the game's outcome.
Greek military junta collapses amid mass protests and political crisis, July 24, 1974
After widespread demonstrations and the rapid unraveling of military rule following a failed Cyprus intervention, Greece’s seven-year junta fell on July 24, 1974, as civilian and political pressure forced the regime’s last leader to step down and appoint a civilian prime minister.
Apollo 11 Crew Splash Down Safely in Pacific, Ending Historic Moon Mission
On July 24, 1969, Apollo 11’s command module Columbia splashed down in the Pacific Ocean and was recovered, bringing Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins safely home after humanity’s first moon landing.
Deadly Train Derailment Near Santiago de Compostela Kills Dozens
On July 24, 2013, a high-speed passenger train derailed near Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, killing 79 people and injuring over 140. The accident prompted national mourning and an investigation into speed and signaling practices on the line.
Greek military junta collapses after mass uprising, July 24, 1974
On July 24, 1974, mounting public protests, political isolation, and the crisis over Cyprus precipitated the fall of Greece’s seven-year military junta, paving the way for restoration of civilian rule and the eventual return of former prime minister Constantine Karamanlis.
Train Derails Near Santiago de Compostela, Dozens Killed
A passenger train derailed near Santiago de Compostela on July 24, killing dozens and injuring many others. Authorities opened investigations into the cause while emergency services worked at the scene.