Major
He was a household name over 100 years ago when bicycle racing was one of the most popular sports in the world. Born in 1878, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor started racing professionally when he was 18. By age 20, he was already a world champion, having held so many major world records and competing in events across the globe. Many thronged to see him exhibit his skills in his time. Yet, due to racial attacks and stiff competition, his career suffered a dip after 14 years in the game. Though he amassed wealth, he died penniless in Chicago on June 21, 1932.
