- Jan 1 Vladimir Kiselyov, Russian athlete (Olympic gold, Soviet Union, shot put 1980), born in Myski, Russia (d. 2021)
- Jan 2 Lynne Cox, American long-distance open-water swimmer known for easing Cold War tensions by swimming from the US to the Soviet Union in 1987, born in Boston, Massachusetts
- Jan 5 Kevin Hastings, Australian rugby league footballer, born in Surry Hills, Australia
Nancy Lopez
Jan 6 Nancy Lopez, American golfer (3 major titles, 48 LPGA Tour wins), born in Torrance, California
Nancy Lopez
- Jan 7 Julian Solis, Puerto Rican boxer, born in Rio Pedras, Puerto Rico
- Jan 8 Dwight Clark, American NFL wide receiver/executive ("The Catch" 1981 Super Bowl SF 49ers), born in Kingston, North Carolina (d. 2018)
- Jan 11 Darryl Dawkins, American basketball center (Philadelphia 76ers, NJ Nets; NBA breaking a backboard rule), born in Orlando, Florida (d. 2015)
- Jan 11 Bryan Robson, English soccer midfielder, manager (90 caps; Manchester United, WBA, Middlesborough), born in Chester-le-Street, England
- Jan 13 Christina Seufert, Sacraento California, diver (Olympic bronze 1984)
- Jan 13 Mark O'Meara, American golfer (US Masters, British Open 1988), born in Goldsboro, North Carolina
- Jan 17 Donna Stone, American fencer-epee (Olympics 1996), born in New Jersey
- Jan 17 Michel Vaarten, Belgian cyclist, born in Turnhout, Belgium
- Jan 19 Ottis Anderson, NFL running back (NY Giants), born in West Palm Beach, Florida
- Jan 21 Jacob Green, NFL defensive end (Seattle Seahawk)
Mike Bossy
Jan 22 Mike Bossy, Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame right wing (Stanley Cup 1980-83; Conn Smythe Trophy 1982; 7 x NHL All Star; NY Islanders), born in Montreal, Quebec
Mike Bossy
- Jan 25 Jeff Gossett, American football punter (Oakland Raiders), born in Charleston, Illinois
- Jan 26 Ashok Malhotra, Indian cricketer (Indian batsman in 7 Tests 1982-84), born in Amritsar, India
- Jan 26 Shivlal Yadav, Indian cricketer (Indian off-spinner 102 Test wickets 1979-87), born in Hyderabad, India
Nick Price
Jan 28 Nick Price, Zimbabwean golfer (PGA C'ship 1992, 94; British Open 1994), born in Durban, South Africa
Nick Price
Payne Stewart
Jan 30 Payne Stewart, American golfer (US Open 1991, 99; PGA 1989), born in Springfield, Missouri (d. 1999)
Payne Stewart
- Jan 31 Shirley Babashoff, American swimmer (Olympics-6 silver/2 gold-72, 76), born in Whittier, California
About January 1957
How Old? 64 years old
Generation: Baby Boomer
Leap Year: No