Betty Robinson
American Olympic sprinting champion
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
An accomplished sprinter, she achieved significant success in track and field events during the early 20th century. Competed in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, where the 4x100 meter relay team won the gold medal, marking the first time women raced in Olympic track events. Also participated in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Overcame a life-threatening plane crash in 1931, which challenged her athletic career but did not prevent a remarkable return to competition.
Won gold in the 4x100 meter relay at the 1928 Olympics
Competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Other People Born on August 23rd
Nadine Jolie Courtney
American journalist and author
Born
August 23rd, 1980 45 years ago
Born in 1980, a journalist and author contributed to various publications with a focus on lifestyle and entertainment. Achieved recognition through participation in reality television, appearing in 'The Real World: Las Vegas.' Authored works that explore personal experiences and insights into contemporary issues. Engaged audiences through social media platforms and wrote about beauty, travel, and relationships.
Continue ReadingCarl Hagelin
Ice hockey player, Stanley Cup champion
Born
August 23rd, 1988 37 years ago
Born in Sweden, a professional ice hockey player competed in the NHL primarily as a left winger. Initiated a career in ice hockey with the University of Michigan before being drafted by the New York Rangers in 2007. Played crucial roles on various teams, securing multiple playoff berths and contributing to successful seasons. Key highlight includes winning the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017.
Continue ReadingMike Yastrzemski
Baseball player, San Francisco Giants outfielder
Born
August 23rd, 1990 35 years ago
An American baseball player, primarily recognized for his tenure with the San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball. He made his debut in 2019 after being drafted by the Giants. Yastrzemski played college baseball at Vanderbilt University, where he earned All-American honors. He achieved significant milestones during his career, including participation in the 2021 MLB All-Star Game and contributions to the team's success in the postseason.
Continue ReadingJusuf Nurkić
Bosnian basketball player, NBA center
Born
August 23rd, 1994 31 years ago
A professional basketball player who played center for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. Developed talent in basketball early in life and joined the Cedevita Zagreb youth team. Made a notable impact in international competitions. Contributed to the Bosnian national team at the FIBA EuroBasket tournaments. Played college basketball in the United States and was selected in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls before being traded to the Denver Nuggets, where early career performances showcased potential.
Continue ReadingTyler Glasnow
Baseball pitcher, World Series finalist
Born
August 23rd, 1993 32 years ago
Professional baseball player specializing as a pitcher. Played in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily for the Tampa Bay Rays. Achieved significant success in his career, particularly highlighted during playoff appearances. Contributed to the team's run to the World Series in 2020, showcasing exceptional skills on the mound. Overcame injuries to continue competing at a high level in the league.
Continue ReadingKim Matula
American actress in soap operas
Born
August 23rd, 1988 37 years ago
This actress began her career in television, notably starring in the role of Hope Logan on the soap opera 'The Bold and the Beautiful'. Her portrayal gained recognition and led to several other roles in various television series. Additionally, she appeared in films, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her work encompassed a range of genres, contributing to her visibility in the industry.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 18th
Stephen M. Wolownik
Composer and musicologist of Russian-American descent
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2000 25 years ago — 54 years old
A prominent composer and musicologist, contributed significantly to the field of music through scholarly research and original compositions. Worked extensively on various musicological studies and presented insights into music theory and history. Composed works that displayed a deep understanding of harmony and structure. Engaged with both theoretical and practical aspects, fostering a greater appreciation for serious music among performers and audiences alike.
Continue ReadingLeroy Anderson
Composer and conductor of light music
Born
June 29th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1975 50 years ago — 66 years old
Contributed significantly to the genre of light orchestral music. Anderson studied at Harvard and later became the principal arranger for the Harvard Band. Best recognized for catchy compositions, including 'Sleigh Ride' and 'The Typewriter'. His works, characterized by wit and charm, have remained popular in both orchestral and popular music contexts. Anderson also served in the United States Army during World War II, where he arranged and composed music for military ensembles.
Continue ReadingJacques Marquette
French explorer of North America
Born
June 1st, 1637 388 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1675 350 years ago — 37 years old
A French Jesuit missionary and explorer, filled a pivotal role in the early exploration of North America. Arrived in Canada in 1666 and established missions among Indigenous peoples. In 1673, conducted a significant expedition down the Mississippi River with Louis Jolliet, mapping vast territories and engaging with various Native American tribes. The exploration revealed the potential of the Mississippi as a trade route and contributed to European interest in the region. Died in 1675 while on a mission to retrace the Mississippi River's course, leaving a legacy of exploration and religious outreach.
Continue ReadingPierre-Gilles de Gennes
Physicist, Nobel Prize laureate.
Born
October 24th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2007 18 years ago — 74 years old
A prominent physicist and academic, contributions focused on condensed matter physics and liquid crystals. Played a pivotal role in the development of the theory of liquid crystals and polymers. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1991 for discovering that methods developed for studying order phenomena in simple systems can be generalized to more complex forms of matter, in particular to liquid crystals and polymers.
Continue ReadingIsaac Albéniz
Spanish pianist and composer, Iberia
Born
May 29th, 1860 165 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1909 116 years ago — 48 years old
A prominent pianist and composer emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Early musical education took place in Barcelona and later in Brussels. Deployed innovative techniques and used Spanish folk themes in compositions. Iberia, a suite for piano, became one of the hallmark works showcasing intricate piano techniques and rich cultural references. Also, composed operas, piano works, and orchestral music, contributing to the classical music repertoire. Instrumental in establishing the 'Spanish' sound in classical music, influencing subsequent generations of composers.
Continue ReadingAlexander Godunov
Actor and dancer in 'Die Hard'
Born
November 28th, 1949 76 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1995 30 years ago — 45 years old
Born in Russia, Godunov trained as a ballet dancer at the Bolshoi Theatre. Defecting to the United States in 1979, he shifted focus to acting. Godunov appeared in several films, achieving acclaim for his role as the villain in 'Die Hard' alongside Bruce Willis. His performances showcased both his dance training and acting skills, contributing to his recognition in Hollywood. Godunov also performed in television series and stage productions, further solidifying his career in the entertainment industry before his passing in 1995.
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