Founder of the International Sports Hall Dr. Robert Goldman, Senior Vice President Fairfax Hackley and ISHOF Global Advisory Board announced a group of world-class athletes and champions as part of their 2026 Class of 15.th anniversary
The elite group, revealed on July 8, consists of five athletes as well as a historic group that will celebrate its centenary in 2026. The members will be officially introduced at the 2026 induction ceremony in the Grand Ballroom of the Palm Hotel in Las Vegas, New York on Saturday. September 26 as part of the Olympia weekend.
Dr. Goldman has held the induction ceremony every year since its inception in 2012, and he shared his thoughts on the upcoming class, among the previously welcomed legends.
“The Class of 2026 joins an elite group of champions whose accomplishments have motivated and inspired millions around the world,” said Dr. Goldman. “Our graduates are recognized not only for their extraordinary athletic achievements, but also for their commitment to giving back, philanthropy, leadership and service to others.”
Hackley is also looking forward to these new Hall of Famers getting their gold medals and getting their moments in the spotlight.
He said, “This represents our most unique and diverse class in our 15 years! It’s a truly diverse group of people who represent in every way what and who we stand for.”
Who has been named to the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2026?
VITOMIR MARICICH
Vitomir Maricic was not only a multiple world freediver champion, but also a supporter of marine conservation. In competition, Maricic won gold in both the pool and deep dive events, but is perhaps best known for holding the astonishing Guinness World Record for longest voluntary breath hold underwater at 29 minutes and 3 seconds. In February 2026, Maricic set another Guinness World Record for the heaviest underwater deadlift by lifting 300 kilograms (661 pounds). He has used his platform to support marine life, establish protected areas and fight illegal fishing
GARY KASPAROV
Garry Kasparov was the number one chess player in the world from 1984 to 2005. This level of dominance has never been seen in this sport before or since. In 1999, he reached the top FIDE rating of 2851, a historic milestone that remained unchanged for 14 years until it was overtaken by Magnus Carlsen in 2013. Kasparov is also considered a pioneer in the field of human competition and artificial intelligence (AI), where he wrote a number of seminal books on Human Rights. he supports personal freedom and democracy all over the world.
DEXTER JACKSON
During his more than 20-year career known as “The Blade”, Dexter Jackson is the only man in bodybuilding history to appear on the Olympic stage 21 times. His 29 career victories, the most on the men’s side of the scene, include his signature win at the 2008 Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas, when he defeated two-time champion Jay Cutler to pull off what was then considered the upset of the century. Jackson retired from the stage at the 2020 Mr. Olympia in Orlando, Florida. Jackson’s future induction brings his total number of Olympic championships in the ISHOF to 59.
FORREST GRIFFIN
Forrest Griffin’s meteoric rise began when he burst onto the MMA scene by winning his first season of MMA. The ultimate fighter. It ended with induction into the UFC Hall of Fame. Between them, he also became world champion in light and heavy weight and achieved 19 professional victories against seven defeats. Griffin was known for tough and exciting fights against fellow legends Tito Ortiz, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Rich Franklin.
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
One of the longest-running entertainment groups in sports history, the Harlem Globetrotters celebrate 100 years of memories around the world with a unique combination of skills, ball handling, tricks and comedy. The various teams that have worn their jerseys have played more than 27,000 games since 1926. The organization even broke the glass ceiling by introducing women to its team, including Lynette Woodard, the first in 1985, and current players Erica “Spice” Sidney and Kailyn “Sunshine” West.
Eric Dickerson
One of the most revered running backs in football history, Eric Dickerson set the single-season record for most yards in a season with 2,105 in 1984. This record remains to this day. Dickerson was also a five-time First Team All-Pro, a six-time Pro Bowler in his 11 seasons with four teams, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999. He is also a member of the NFL 100.th All-time team and his #29 jersey was retired by the Los Angeles Rams in recognition of his efforts on the field.
15th The ISHOF launch event is a free event for the public to attend. For more information on ISHOF, visit sportshof.org. You can find out more about Weekend Olympia 2026 here mrolympia.com .
