Dave Brailsford
English cycling coach and director
A significant figure in professional cycling, contributed to the success of British Cycling and Team Sky. Innovated training methods and implemented a philosophy of marginal gains in performance. Guided the British cycling team to success in multiple Olympic Games and World Championships. Served as the general manager of Team Sky, leading the team to multiple Tour de France victories.
Led Team Sky to multiple Tour de France wins
Coached British Cycling to multiple Olympic medals
Pioneered the marginal gains approach in cycling
Other People Born on February 29th
Al Rosen
Baseball player and manager, 1953 MVP
Born
February 29th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
March 13th, 2015 10 years ago — 91 years old
A baseball player and manager, achieved significant recognition in Major League Baseball. Played primarily for the Cleveland Indians as a third baseman from 1947 to 1956. Won the American League Most Valuable Player award in 1953. Transitioned to a managerial role after retiring as a player, leading teams in various capacities. Recognized for contributions to the game and left a lasting legacy.
Continue ReadingSimon Gagné
Ice hockey player; Stanley Cup champion
Born
February 29th, 1980 45 years ago
Canadian ice hockey player competed in the NHL primarily as a left winger. Played for various teams, most notably the Philadelphia Flyers, with whom won the Stanley Cup in 2010. Also represented the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Los Angeles Kings during an extensive 14-season career in the NHL. Achieved significant success while with the Flyers, contributing to multiple playoff runs and earning All-Star selections during peak performance years. Additionally played for Team Canada in international competitions, including the IIHF World Championships.
Continue ReadingMorarji Desai
Indian politician and Prime Minister
Born
February 29th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1995 30 years ago — 99 years old
A civil servant and politician, served as the fourth Prime Minister of India from 1977 to 1979. Desai was a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Party, playing a key role in Indian politics during the post-emergency period. His government focused on anti-corruption measures, grievances of the common citizen, and fiscal policies aimed at self-reliance. A proponent of the cooperative movement and rural development, he promoted the use of cottage industries and decentralization of power. Desai's tenure was marked by political challenges and economic adjustments in the wake of a previous state of emergency declared in India. After his resignation, he continued to be a significant figure in Indian politics until his retirement.
Continue ReadingLyndon Byers
Ice Hockey Player; Boston Bruins player
Born
February 29th, 1964 61 years ago
An accomplished ice hockey player and radio host, this individual played predominantly in the NHL during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The player began a significant career with the Boston Bruins, where notable performances contributed to the team's competitive presence. Following his playing career, transitioned into sports radio, becoming a recognized voice in discussions about hockey and sports culture.
Continue ReadingWilliam A. Wellman
American film director and producer
Born
February 29th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
December 9th, 1975 50 years ago — 79 years old
Esteemed film director and producer contributed significantly to early American cinema. Directed the classic film 'Wings,' which won the first Academy Award for Best Picture in 1929. Also known for the western 'The Ox-Bow Incident' and the drama 'A Star Is Born.' His career spanned several decades, during which he worked with numerous stars and explored various genres, including war films and musicals.
Continue ReadingEmmeline B. Wells
American journalist and women's rights activist
Born
February 29th, 1828 197 years ago
Died
April 25th, 1921 104 years ago — 93 years old
An influential journalist and poet, involved in women's suffrage and other social issues. Edited the 'Woman's Exponent,' a publication that advocated for women's rights, particularly in the context of the Mormon community. Actively participated in the National Woman Suffrage Association and worked alongside prominent suffragists. Played a significant role in promoting education for women and advocating for their voting rights.
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