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

Giovanni Paolo Panini

Italian painter and architect of Vedute
Born
June 17th, 1691 334 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1765 260 years ago — 74 years old

Born in 1691, Panini emerged as a prominent painter and architect in the 18th century, specializing in architectural scenes and landscapes. His works often featured grand vistas of ancient ruins and classical architecture, displaying a keen eye for detail and composition. Panini's paintings reflect a fascination with the grandeur of Rome and its historical sites. He also contributed to the decoration of several palaces, enhancing their artistic value. His unique style and perspective made significant contributions to Baroque art, particularly in the genre of vedute, where realistic cityscapes and landscapes were depicted. Panini's influence can be seen in the works of many later artists who aimed to capture the essence of Rome.

Continue Reading

Marek Svatoš

Ice hockey player, played for Avalanche
Born
June 17th, 1982 43 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 34 years old

A Slovak ice hockey player contributed significantly to the sport. Svatoš played in the NHL primarily for the Colorado Avalanche and became part of the team's roster that won the Stanley Cup in 2001. He was recognized for his offensive skills and ability to score crucial goals. In addition to his time in the NHL, he played in international competitions, representing Slovakia. Svatoš played in various other leagues, including the KHL and Slovak leagues, before retiring from professional hockey.

Continue Reading

Tommy Burns

Boxer and promoter, Heavyweight Champion
Born
June 17th, 1881 144 years ago
Died
1955 70 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent boxer and promoter, achieved recognition in the early 20th century. Held the World Heavyweight Championship title from 1906 to 1908. Competed against notable opponents including Jack Johnson and acknowledged for his strong boxing skills and swift footwork. Transitioned to a promotional role after retiring from boxing, contributing to the sport's development.

Continue Reading

Joe McKelvey

Executed Irish republican leader
Born
June 17th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1922 102 years ago — 24 years old

Born in 1898, a significant figure in Irish republicanism, played a crucial role in the Irish War of Independence and later in the Irish Civil War. Member of the Republican forces, contributed to efforts against British rule in Ireland. Captured by Free State forces during the Civil War, faced trial and was executed in 1923 for his involvement in armed resistance and insurrection activities. His actions and dedication to the republican cause became emblematic of the struggles during this tumultuous period in Irish history.

Continue Reading

Carl Hermann

Physicist and academic focused on spectroscopy
Born
June 17th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1961 64 years ago — 63 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of physics, particularly in spectroscopy and crystal structure analysis. Conducted pioneering research that advanced the understanding of crystal growth and properties. Served as a professor at several universities, influencing generations of physicists through both teaching and research. Published numerous scientific papers and books that became essential references in the field of solid-state physics.

Continue Reading

William Crookes

Chemist and physicist; inventor of the Crookes tube
Born
June 17th, 1832 193 years ago
Died
April 4th, 1919 106 years ago — 86 years old

Contributed significantly to the study of atomic structure and radiation. Conducted experiments in spectroscopy and developed new vacuum tubes that led to advancements in electronics. Demonstrated the existence of thallium in 1861 using spectroscopy. Worked on the properties of cathode rays, leading to the development of the Crookes tube, which was pivotal in the field of electron research. Later, investigated the properties of radioactivity and was involved in the study of psychic phenomena.

Continue Reading