Eddy Merckx

Cyclist and five-time Tour de France winner

Eddy Merckx - Cyclist and five-time Tour de France winner
Born

June 17th, 1945
80 years ago

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

Belgium

Links & References

Started competitive cycling in the early 1960s and achieved significant success throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Claimed numerous victories in major cycling events, including the Tour de France, which was won five times. Dominated the Giro d'Italia with five wins and achieved a record 11 victories in one-day classics. Transitioned to sportscasting after retiring from competitive cycling.

Won the Tour de France five times

Secured five Giro d'Italia titles

Achieved 11 victories in one-day classics

Other People Born on June 17th

Andrew Ogilvy

Basketball player, NBL champion
Born
June 17th, 1988 37 years ago

Played professional basketball in Australia. Competed in the National Basketball League (NBL) with the Sydney Kings and Melbourne United. Achieved notable success during the 2008-2009 NBL season, leading the league in rebounds. Represented Australia in international competitions, contributing to the development of basketball in the country.

Continue Reading

Burt Rutan

Aerospace engineer and pilot with Voyager
Born
June 17th, 1943 82 years ago

An aerospace engineer and pilot, contributed to the design of numerous innovative aircraft and spacecraft. Developed Voyager, the first aircraft to fly around the world without refueling. Founded Scaled Composites, a company that created the SpaceShipOne, the first private manned spacecraft to reach space. His designs emphasize efficiency and performance, setting new standards in aviation and space travel.

Continue Reading

Newt Gingrich

American politician and historian
Born
June 17th, 1943 82 years ago

Served as the 58th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999. Played a key role in the 1994 Republican Revolution, leading the party to a House majority for the first time in 40 years. Authored the Contract with America, a legislative agenda that emphasized tax cuts, welfare reform, and a balanced budget. Contributed to the rise of conservative politics in the 1990s and later focused on historical and political commentary.

Continue Reading

Mike Milbury

Ice Hockey Player and Coach
Born
June 17th, 1952 73 years ago

Played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League, primarily for the Boston Bruins. Served as head coach for the Bruins and later held the position of general manager for the New York Islanders. Transitioned to broadcasting, contributing to NHL coverage on various networks.

Continue Reading

Ralph E. Winters

Film editor, Academy Award winner
Born
June 17th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
2004 21 years ago — 95 years old

A Canadian-American film editor, played a significant role in the editing of numerous classic films. Contributed to the editing of the 'The Bridge on the River Kwai', which won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Also edited 'Lawrence of Arabia', another film that garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards. His editing work brought innovation and style to the medium, influencing the film industry during his career. In total, received nominations for ten Academy Awards, winning two for Best Film Editing.

Continue Reading

Dan Jansen

Speed skater and sportscaster champion
Born
June 17th, 1965 60 years ago

This individual achieved notable success in speed skating, specifically in the 500 meters and 1000 meters events. At the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, a long-desired gold medal was earned after years of competition. Early career achievements include multiple World Championship titles and setting world records. Transitioned from competitive sport to a successful career in broadcasting, providing insights related to ice sports.

Continue Reading