Atje Keulen-Deelstra
Dutch speed skater and world champion
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
Netherlands
Links & References
A speed skater competed internationally for the Netherlands. Achievements include multiple world championships and setting several speed records. Notable for contributions to the sport and participation in the 1960 Winter Olympics. Continued to influence the sport after retiring from competitive skating.
Won three gold medals at the World Championships
Competed in the 1960 Winter Olympics
Other People Born on December 31st
Jan Smit
Dutch singer and television host
Born
December 31st, 1985 40 years ago
Born in 1985, a prominent figure in the Dutch music and television industries. Began career as a child artist, releasing debut album which achieved significant success. Established a strong presence on television, hosting various programs and contributing to entertainment culture in the Netherlands. Has maintained a successful musical career, particularly in the genre of pop and traditional Dutch music.
Continue ReadingJulio DePaula
Baseball pitcher with MLB experience
Born
December 31st, 1982 43 years ago
Debuted in Major League Baseball in 2005 with the Minnesota Twins. Played in the MLB until 2006. Contributed to teams in the minor leagues along with a brief stint in independent leagues. Primarily served as a starting pitcher, showcasing skills in various levels of professional baseball.
Continue ReadingSimon Wiesenthal
Nazi hunter and author of 'The Murderers Among Us'
Born
December 31st, 1908 117 years ago
Died
September 20th, 2005 20 years ago — 96 years old
Born in Ukraine, played a significant role in the post-World War II hunt for Nazi war criminals. Established the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, an organization dedicated to the memory of Holocaust victims and the pursuit of justice for crimes against humanity. Authored several books, including 'The Murderers Among Us', outlining his experiences and efforts in bringing perpetrators of the Holocaust to justice. Contributed to the identification and prosecution of numerous war criminals throughout Europe.
Continue ReadingRyo Aitaka
Kickboxer and professional wrestler
Born
December 31st, 1989 36 years ago
Aitaka competed in the world of kickboxing and professional wrestling, achieving significant recognition in both fields. As a kickboxer, Aitaka participated in numerous competitions and demonstrated skill and technique that garnered attention. Transitioning to professional wrestling, Aitaka showcased athletic prowess in various promotions, building a reputation for engaging performances and exemplary in-ring abilities. This individual has contributed to both sports and has left a mark through dedication and exceptional talent.
Continue ReadingJavaris Crittenton
Basketball player and NBA draft pick
Born
December 31st, 1987 38 years ago
Professionally played basketball in the NBA, having been drafted 19th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Crittenton played for the Lakers during the 2007-2008 season and subsequently for the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2008-2009 season. His career was marked by various off-court incidents that led to legal issues and ultimately his departure from professional basketball. After leaving the NBA, he pursued a brief career in the D-League and other basketball leagues.
Continue ReadingNate Freiman
American baseball player, MLB debut in 2013
Born
December 31st, 1986 39 years ago
Played Major League Baseball as a first baseman. Made MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2013. Played for the Atlanta Braves and the Texas Rangers in the minor leagues. Achieved success in college baseball at Duke University before entering professional baseball. Notable for hitting significant home runs during his career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 22nd
John Jacob Astor III
Businessman and philanthropist
Born
1822 204 years ago
Died
February 22nd, 1890 136 years ago — 68 years old
Astor was a prominent American businessman and philanthropist. Active in the 19th century, Astor made significant wealth through fur trading and real estate. He was among the first to invest heavily in New York City real estate, significantly contributing to urban development. He established the Astor Library, which later became part of the New York Public Library. Astor was also involved in various philanthropic efforts, focusing on education and culture.
Continue ReadingRémi Ochlik
Photographer recognized for conflict coverage
Born
1983 43 years ago
Died
February 22nd, 2012 14 years ago — 29 years old
Worked predominantly as a war photographer and photojournalist. Documented various conflicts and humanitarian crises, with significant focus on the Syrian civil war. Contributed to major publications and received accolades for investigative photography. Was a finalist for the World Press Photo award in 2012, which highlighted the impact of his work in documenting the realities of war and its consequences.
Continue ReadingFrancisco I. Madero
Mexican President and revolutionary leader
Born
October 30th, 1873 152 years ago
Died
February 22nd, 1913 113 years ago — 39 years old
Served as the 33rd President of Mexico from 1911 until his assassination in 1913. Madero was a pivotal figure in the Mexican Revolution, advocating for democracy and land reform. Authored 'La Sucesión Presidencial en 1910', outlining the need for political change in Mexico. His presidency marked the beginning of a tumultuous era, as various factions vied for power following his assassination.
Continue ReadingPaul-Émile Borduas
Painter and critic of abstract art
Born
November 1st, 1905 120 years ago
Died
February 22nd, 1960 66 years ago — 54 years old
Originated from Canada, this painter and critic contributed significantly to the development of abstract art. In 1948, authored the manifesto 'Refus Global', which rejected traditional artistic practices and advocated for freedom in creating art. Participated in the Automatistes movement, which emphasized spontaneous, free creation, like the works created during the 1940s and 50s. Work reflects a strong influence of surrealism and lyrical abstraction.
Continue ReadingNick LaRocca
American trumpet player and composer
Born
1889 137 years ago
Died
February 22nd, 1961 65 years ago — 72 years old
A prominent trumpet player and composer from the early 20th century. Associated with the jazz genre, played a crucial role in the development and popularization of ensemble jazz music. Formed the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, which achieved significant success with the first jazz recording, 'Livery Stable Blues,' in 1917. Contributed to establishing jazz in the music mainstream, influencing future generations of musicians.
Continue ReadingPapa John Creach
American violinist with Jefferson Airplane
Born
1917 109 years ago
Died
February 22nd, 1994 32 years ago — 77 years old
A prominent American violinist, mastery in jazz and rock genres characterized the career. Collaborated with notable rock bands, most significantly Jefferson Airplane. His work in the music industry showcased versatility and innovation in blending genres, influencing musicians across generations. Creach's performance style captivated audiences, furthering his reputation in live performances and recordings.
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