Alvin Kraenzlein
American hurdler and Olympic champion
Born
December 12th, 1876
148 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1928
97 years ago — 51 years old
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
A prominent American athlete in the early 20th century, competed in track and field events specializing in hurdles and long jump. Achieved significant success at the 1900 Paris Olympics, where victories were secured in the 110-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles, long jump, and 200-meter dash. These accomplishments marked a pivotal point in Olympic history, as becoming the first athlete to win four gold medals in a single Olympics. After work in coaching and education, contributions to the field of athletics continued.
Won four gold medals at the 1900 Paris Olympics
Became the first athlete to win four events in one Olympics
Other People Born on December 12th
Sheree J. Wilson
An American actress gained prominence through roles in television series. Achieved significant recognition for portraying April Stevens Ewing on the long-running show 'Dallas' from 1986 to 1991. Also starred in the action films 'Missing in Action 2: The Beginning' and 'Hellmountain.' Other notable appearances included work on the series 'Walker, Texas Ranger' where played the character Alex Cahill alongside Chuck Norris. Throughout the career, depicted strong and dynamic characters, contributing to the rise of popular television drama in the 1980s and 1990s.
Continue ReadingBruce Price
An architect engaged in the design of significant buildings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, associated primarily with the Château Frontenac in Quebec City, Canada, and the American Surety Building in New York City. The architectural style often included rich ornamentation and historic influences, showcasing a blend of styles that catered to both residential and commercial needs. Contributed to the burgeoning architectural landscape during a time of rapid urban development.
Continue ReadingBilly Smith
A Canadian ice hockey player, contributed as a goaltender in the National Hockey League (NHL). Played primarily for the New York Islanders and was instrumental in the team's four consecutive Stanley Cup victories from 1980 to 1983. Transitioned into coaching and management roles, influencing the sport at various levels. Available coaching experience included leading junior teams and contributing to management discussions at the NHL level.
Continue ReadingDmitry Tursunov
A professional tennis player and coach, achieved career-high singles ranking of World No. 20 in 2006. Competed on the ATP Tour from 2000 to 2017. Played for the Russian national team in the Davis Cup, contributing to the team's victory in 2006. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, working with various players on the professional circuit.
Continue ReadingMädchen Amick
An American actress and director, she gained fame through the role of Shelly Johnson in the television series 'Twin Peaks'. The series, which originally aired in the early 1990s, became a cultural phenomenon and earned critical acclaim. In addition to 'Twin Peaks', she also starred in the series 'Riverdale' as Alice Cooper. Her career includes various roles in television and film, showcasing a range of characters across different genres. Amick's directorial efforts have included episodes of series in which she has acted.
Continue ReadingWilson Kipketer
A middle-distance runner, competed primarily in the 800 meters. Achieved success at international competitions, winning multiple medals including three World Championships and two Olympic medals. Set world records in the 800 meters, with times that remained unbeaten for years. Represented Kenya initially before switching allegiance to Denmark, where further achievements solidified a prominent athletics career. Retired from competitive athletics in 2005 after a successful career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 6th
Georg Cantor
A prominent mathematician and philosopher, contributions significantly shaped modern mathematics. Developed set theory, introducing concepts of infinite numbers, cardinality, and ordinal numbers. Established the Cantor set as a foundational concept in topology. His ideas generated considerable discussion and controversy during his lifetime, influencing mathematical thought and philosophy. Authored several important papers that laid the groundwork for future mathematicians.
Continue ReadingVictor Fleming
A prominent American director, producer, and cinematographer, became notable in the film industry during the early to mid-20th century. Directed the iconic film 'Gone with the Wind' in 1939, which won multiple Academy Awards and remains a landmark in cinematic history. Also directed 'The Wizard of Oz' in the same year, another film that achieved significant acclaim and cultural impact. Worked with several major studios and contributed to the advancement of film as a medium. His technical skills as a cinematographer helped shape the visual aesthetics of classic films.
Continue ReadingJames Cross
A British diplomat served as the Trade Commissioner in Quebec. In October 1970, was kidnapped by members of the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) during the October Crisis, a series of events prompted by the separatist movement in Quebec. Captivity lasted for 60 days, resulting in negotiations for his release amidst a crisis that included another kidnapping. Following release, engaged in various diplomatic roles and authored writings reflecting on the events.
Continue ReadingFlorence King
A journalist and memoirist authored several works reflecting on Southern life and culture. Gained recognition for sharp wit and insightful commentary. Contributed to various publications and achieved acclaim for personal essays and critiques. Explored themes of identity, class, and social norms in written works, establishing a distinctive voice in American literature.
Continue ReadingBasil John Mason
Contributed extensively to the field of meteorology, particularly in atmospheric dynamics and weather prediction. Served as a professor at the University of Reading, where research on weather patterns and statistical methods advanced the understanding of meteorological phenomena. Published numerous papers and books, including texts on computer models for weather forecasting. Worked with various meteorological organizations, influencing both academic and practical applications of weather science.
Continue ReadingNelson Ned
Born in Brazil, a singer-songwriter gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, blending romantic ballads and pop music. His career spanned several decades, with a distinct vocal style that resonated with audiences. Recordings became a staple in Brazilian music, leading to a loyal fan base. He recorded numerous albums and performed extensively, achieving success in Latin America. The music often incorporated themes of love and longing, reflecting personal experiences.
Continue Reading