International Sports Hall of Fame Founder Dr. Robert Goldman, Senior Vice President Fairfax Hackley, and ISHOF Global Advisory Board has announced that a world-class group of athletes and champions will make up the 15 class as part of their 2026 class.th Birthday.
The elite group revealed on July 8 is made up of five athletes as well as a historic group that is celebrating its centenary anniversary in 2026. These members will be officially inducted at the 2026 Induction Ceremony on Saturday, September 26 at the Grand Ballroom of the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. As part of Olympia Weekend.
Dr. Goldman has hosted the induction ceremony every year since its inception in 2012, and he shared his thoughts on the incoming class that will be among the veterans he has welcomed before.
“The Class of 2026 joins an elite group of champions whose accomplishments have inspired and motivated millions around the world,” said Dr. Goldman. “Our inductees are recognized not only for their exceptional athletic achievements, but also for their commitment to giving back through charitable work, leadership and service to others.”
Hackley is also looking forward to seeing these new Hall of Famers receive gold medals and have their moments in the spotlight.
He said, “This represents our most unique and diverse class in 15 years! This is truly a fantastic group of people that represents in every way what and who we will be inducting.”
Who was nominated for the International Sports Hall of Fame class of 2026?
Vitomir Marić
Vitomir Marić was not only a multiple-time world champion freediver but also an advocate of marine conservation. Competitively, Maricic has won gold medals in both the pool and depth events, but may be most famous for his astonishing Guinness World Record for the longest voluntary breath hold underwater, 29 minutes, 3 seconds. In February 2026, Maricic set another Guinness World Record for the heaviest underwater squat by lifting 300 kilograms (661 lb). He has used his platform to support marine life, establish protected areas, and combat illegal fishing
Garry Kasparov
From 1984 to 2005, Garry Kasparov was the world number one ranked chess player. That level of dominance has never been seen before or since in that game. In 1999, he achieved a peak FIDE rating of 2851, a historic milestone that remained untouched for 14 years, until surpassed by Magnus Carlsen in 2013. Kasparov is also seen as a pioneer in human versus artificial intelligence (AI) competition, has written several books, and is the current president of the New York-based Human Rights Foundation, where he advocates for individual freedom and democracy around the world.
dexter jackson
Dexter Jackson, known as “The Blade” during his 20-plus year career, is the only man in bodybuilding history to appear on the Olympia stage 21 times. His 29 professional wins, the most on the men’s podium, include his signature win at the 2008 Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas, when he defeated two-time champion Jay Cutler in what was considered the biggest upset of the century. Jackson retired from the stage at the 2020 Mr. Olympia in Orlando, FL. Jackson’s future addition will bring the total number of Olympia Championships in ISHOF to 59.
forest griffin
Forrest Griffin’s meteoric rise began when he burst onto the MMA scene by winning his first season The ultimate fighter. This culminated in his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, he also became light-heavyweight champion of the world and had 19 professional wins against seven losses. Griffin was known for delivering hard-hitting and captivating battles against fellow veterans such as Tito Ortiz, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Rich Franklin.
Harlem Globetrotters
One of the longest-running entertainment groups in sports history, the Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating 100 years of making memories around the world with their unique combination of skill, ball handling, tricks and comedy. Various lineups wearing their jerseys have played in over 27,000 games since 1926. The organization also broke the glass ceiling by introducing women as part of its team, including Lynette Woodard, the first in 1985, and current players Erica “Spice” Sidney and Kaylin “Sunshine” West.
eric dickerson
One of the most respected running backs in football history, Eric Dickerson set the single season record for most yards in a season with 2,105 in 1984. That record still stands today. Dickerson was also a five-time First Team All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowler in his 11 seasons as part of four teams, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999. He is also a member of the NFL’s 100.th Anniversary All-Time Team, and his #29 jersey was retired by the Los Angeles Rams in honor of his efforts on the field.
15th The ISHOF Induction Ceremony is a free event to the public. For more information on ISHOF, visit here sportshof.org. You can find more information about the 2026 Olympia Weekend here mrolympia.com .
