Chess champion Lisa Lane, who made history as the first chess player to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, passed away at the age of 90 at her home in Carmel, N.Y. Her remarkable journey in the world of chess began during her time at Temple University in Philadelphia, where she quickly rose to prominence, winning the United States women’s championship within just two years of starting to play the game.

Despite her late start in chess, Lane’s meteoric rise captured the attention of the public, with her youth and appearance often becoming the focus of discussions alongside her exceptional chess abilities. Her appearance on the television game show ‘What’s My Line?’ in 1961, where panelists failed to guess her occupation due to her looks, and a subsequent profile on the cover of Sports Illustrated further solidified her status in the game.

Lane’s impact on the chess world was undeniable, and her legacy continues to inspire aspiring players. Her contributions to the game and her pioneering achievements will be remembered for years to come.