Alonzo Babers

Olympic gold medalist runner and pilot

Alonzo Babers - Olympic gold medalist runner and pilot
Born

October 31st, 1961
63 years ago

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

United States

Links & References

Achieved Olympic gold medals in the 400 meters and 4x400 meter relay at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Competed for the USA Track & Field team and set personal bests in multiple sprint events. Transitioned to a career as a pilot after athletics, obtaining an airline transport pilot license. Babers demonstrated excellence in both athletics and aviation, contributing to each field.

Won Olympic gold in the 400 meters in 1984

Won Olympic gold in the 4x400 meter relay in 1984

Other People Born on October 31st

Booker Ervin

Saxophonist and jazz composer
Born
October 31st, 1930 94 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 40 years old

A prominent figure in jazz music during the 1960s, this saxophonist contributed significantly to the hard bop movement. He began his career in the late 1950s and worked with various influential musicians. Ervin is noted for his powerful playing style and unique sound, which blended blues and bebop influences. He recorded numerous albums as a bandleader and gained recognition for his ability to convey deep emotion through his improvisations. His work in jazz was critical in shaping the genre during his active years but also positioned him as an influential artist in the evolution of saxophone performance.

Continue Reading

Martin Verkerk

Tennis player; French Open finalist
Born
October 31st, 1978 46 years ago

Professional tennis player achieved notable success on the ATP Tour. Gained attention in 2003 by reaching the French Open final, marking a significant milestone. Played primarily in singles, competing at various Grand Slam tournaments throughout the career. Achievements included victories over several top-ranked players during peak performance years. Represented the Netherlands in international competitions, contributing to the national team in the Davis Cup.

Continue Reading

Michael Collins

American astronaut and Apollo 11 pilot
Born
October 31st, 1930 94 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2021 4 years ago — 90 years old

An American astronaut played a key role in the Apollo 11 mission, which successfully landed the first humans on the Moon in 1969. Serving as the command module pilot, operated the command module Columbia while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin explored the lunar surface. His contributions to space exploration extended beyond Apollo 11, with earlier missions including Gemini 10. Later, engaged in public advocacy for space exploration and education, emphasizing the importance of scientific progress.

Continue Reading

Carlos Drummond de Andrade

Brazilian poet and literary contributor
Born
October 31st, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1987 38 years ago — 85 years old

A significant figure in Brazilian literature, this poet wrote extensively from the early 20th century into the 1990s. His work often reflected themes of existentialism, urban life, and human emotion. The poem collection 'Alguma Poesia' marked a notable debut in 1930, establishing a new voice in Brazilian poetry. Throughout a prolific career, this writer contributed to poetry, prose, and journalism, becoming a major influence on subsequent generations of poets in Brazil and beyond.

Continue Reading

Sydney Park

American actress and comedian
Born
October 31st, 1997 27 years ago

Started a career in entertainment at a young age, gaining initial recognition as a contestant on the reality show 'America's Got Talent'. Transitioned into acting, featuring prominently in the television series 'The Thundermans' and gaining further acclaim for the role in 'Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists'. Also contributed to comedic projects, showcasing versatile talents in both comedic and dramatic performances.

Continue Reading

Roger Manganelli

Singer-songwriter and bass player
Born
October 31st, 1974 50 years ago

A Brazilian-American musician played bass for the band Less Than Jake and contributed as a songwriter. The band gained popularity in the 1990s and became associated with the ska-punk genre. The band released several albums, including 'Hello Rockview' and 'Borders & Boundaries,' which received widespread acclaim and solidified their place in the punk music scene. Manganelli's work with the band features a distinctive sound that combines contemporary punk elements with ska influences.

Continue Reading