Today in sports history: April 17

Davie McKenzie of New Zealand, centre, stands with second-place finisher Tom Laris of New York, right, and third-place finisher Yutaki Aoki from Japan.
Dave McKenzie of New Zealand, centre, stands with second-place finisher Tom Laris of New York, right, and third-place finisher Yutaki Aoki from Japan. 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 17.

1967

Kiwi runner Dave McKenzie wins the 71st edition of the Boston Marathon in 2h 15 45s.

He is still the only New Zealand male to win the event to this day. 

Stacey Jones in action against the Newcastle Knights.
Stacey Jones in action against the Newcastle Knights. Photo credit: Photosport

2005

The NZ Warriors' record their biggest-ever NRL comeback, as they overcame a 20-point deficit to beat the Newcastle Knights 30-26.

2011

Beauden Barrett makes his Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes in a last-gasp win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Beauden Barrett in action for the Hurricanes during the 2011 season.
Beauden Barrett in action for the Hurricanes during the 2011 season. Photo credit: Photosport

Jeremy Thrush scored in the last seconds for the visitors, as they claimed a 50-47 win, with Barrett kicking the final conversion of the game. 

2015

James Anderson becomes the highest wicket-taking bowler in England's test cricket history. 

2016

The All Blacks Sevens lose to Samoa in the plate final at Singapore. 

Kenya's Andrew Amonde.
Kenya's Andrew Amonde. Photo credit: Getty

Kenya went on to beat Fiji 30-7 in the cup final to claim their first sevens tournament victory. 

Birthdays

1967 - Former All Blacks lock Ian 'Kamo' Jones

1968 - Former Blackcaps cricketer Roger Twose 

1992 - Football Ferns keeper Erin Nayler

Erin Nayler.
Erin Nayler. Photo credit: Getty

Newshub's top story 12 months ago…

Controversial league star John Hopoate tells Folau critics to 'toughen the F up'

Outspoken league icon John Hopoate has mounted an explosive defence of Wallabies star Israel Folau's anti-gay social media posts.

Folau faces having his contract terminated by Rugby Australia, after posting that Hell awaited "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters", unless they repented.

But Hopoate has sprung to Folau's defence, telling critics to "toughen the F up" on Facebook and Twitter.

"Why's everyone so worried about what Israel Folau said," he posted. "All these idiots carrying on like he's murdered someone.

"If you're a bloody HOMO who cares, I've been called racist names and all other crap all my life."