Today in sports history: April 16

Michael Jordan scored 15 points in his final NBA game.
Michael Jordan scored 15 points in his final NBA game. Photo credit: Getty

The COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out live sport all around the globe, but history will never be erased.

While you contemplate streaming yet another Netflix drama or rewatching another replay of your favorite sporting moments, here are some stories that were making news in years past on April 16.

1906 

Eighteen-year-old Tim Ford becomes the youngest winner in Boston marathon history, a record that still stands to this day. 

The American crossed the line in 2h 45m 45s.

1996 

Chicago Bulls better the 1972 Lakers' NBA record of 69 wins in one season, with their 86-80 victory at Milwaukee. 

The Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, finished the season with 72 wins and only 10 losses, a mark that would stand as the NBA's best in a single season until 2015-16, when Golden State Warriors surpassed the Bulls' record with a 73-9 finish.

2003 

Washington Wizards guard Michael Jordan, 40, plays his last-ever NBA game during a 107-87 loss against the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all-time, scored 15 points in the match. 

He'd won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls and retired twice before joining the Wizards. 

2009

Jamaican sprinter Usalin Bolt wins Sportsman of the Year at the Laureus Sports Awards, while Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva takes the women's award. 

Usain Bolt.
Usain Bolt. Photo credit: Photosport

China's Olympic team, which captured 48 gold medals at Beijing, won Team of the Year.

2013 

People embrace during a vigil honouring victims of the Boston Marathon bombings at the Boston Common.

Two pressure cooker bombs detonated near the finish line of the event the previous day, killing three and injuring more than 250.

2016 

NZ Warriors claim their first-ever win over the Canterbury Bulldogs at Westpac Stadium. Heading into the match, they were winless in six matches against the 'Dogs' at the venue, dating back to 2001. A try double to Blake Ayshford saw them prevail 24-20. 

Blake Ayshford.
Blake Ayshford. Photo credit: Getty

Birthday's

1947 - NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

1952 - New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick with Tom Brady.
Bill Belichick with Tom Brady. Photo credit: Reuters

1985 - Former All Blacks halfback Brendon Leonard

1988 - Former Black Sticks captain Simon Child