Eric Liddell

Rugby player and Olympic runner

Eric Liddell - Rugby player and Olympic runner
Born

January 16th, 1902
123 years ago

Died

February 21st, 1945
80 years ago — 43 years old

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

Scotland

Links & References

A Scottish athlete excelled in both rugby and athletics. Achieved significant success with the Scotland national rugby team, earning multiple caps. Gained international fame as a runner, competing in the 1924 Paris Olympics. Won the gold medal in the 400 meters and the bronze in the 200 meters. Demonstrated strong principles by refusing to run in the 100-meter race due to a religious observance, which was widely recognized and respected.

Competed in the 1924 Paris Olympics

Won the gold medal in the 400 meters

Earned multiple caps with the Scotland rugby team

Other People Born on January 16th

Ivan Barrow

Jamaican cricketer
Born
January 16th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 68 years old

A cricketer from Jamaica, made significant contributions to the sport during the 1930s and 1940s. Played as a wicket-keeper, demonstrating exceptional skills behind the stumps. Participated in several domestic cricket competitions and represented Jamaica in regional matches. Gained recognition for consistent performance in the Creole and JCA competitions.

Continue Reading

Andriy Rusol

Ukrainian football defender with Shakhtar
Born
January 16th, 1983 42 years ago

Played professional football as a defender, primarily for Shakhtar Donetsk. Made significant contributions to the team's successes during his tenure. Represented the Ukrainian national team in international competitions, including the UEFA Euro 2008. Transitioned into coaching and football management after retirement from playing.

Continue Reading

Lena Ek

Swedish politician and environmental minister
Born
January 16th, 1958 67 years ago

Served as the ninth Swedish Minister for the Environment, focusing on sustainability policies and environmental protection efforts. Played a significant role in advancing Sweden's environmental agenda during tenure. Held various positions within the Swedish Parliament, contributing to legislative discussions and initiatives related to environmental and energy issues.

Continue Reading

John Carpenter

Film director known for horror classics
Born
January 16th, 1948 77 years ago

An American director, producer, screenwriter, and composer, contributed significantly to the horror genre. Began directing in the 1970s, rising to prominence with the release of 'Halloween' in 1978, which established many conventions of slasher films. Developed a distinctive filmmaking style characterized by synthesizer-driven scores and suspenseful storytelling. Other notable works include 'The Thing', 'Escape from New York', and 'They Live'. Blended elements of horror, science fiction, and action to create memorable cinematic experiences. Influenced numerous filmmakers and remains an iconic figure in the horror genre.

Continue Reading

René of Anjou

King of Naples, Duke of Anjou
Born
January 16th, 1409 616 years ago
Died
July 10th, 1480 544 years ago — 71 years old

Born in 1409, René of Anjou held multiple titles, including King of Naples and Duke of Anjou. His reign in Naples is noted for his attempts to strengthen the kingdom and defend it against rival powers. René also engaged in the arts, becoming a patron of culture and literature. His military endeavors included participation in the Hundred Years' War, where he fought for the French cause against the English. He faced significant challenges in maintaining his rule and was often embroiled in conflicts that marked the political landscape of 15th-century Europe.

Continue Reading

Bobby Zamora

English footballer and striker
Born
January 16th, 1981 44 years ago

A professional footballer played as a striker, primarily for teams such as Brighton & Hove Albion, Tottenham Hotspur, and Fulham. Achieved considerable success in the Football League, particularly noted for contributions to Fulham in the Premier League and helping the team secure promotion. Represented the England national team and participated in international competitions.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 21st

Mikhail Sholokhov

Russian novelist, Nobel Prize winner.
Born
May 24th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
February 21st, 1984 41 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent Soviet writer, authored literary works that depicted the life of the Cossacks in the early 20th century. Sholokhov gained international acclaim for the novel 'And Quiet Flows the Don,' which presented the complexities of personal and political life during the Russian Revolution and Civil War. His writing style combined realism with the rich oral tradition of Cossack folklore, earning him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1965 for his achievements. Other notable works include 'The Silent Don' and numerous short stories that reflect the turbulent times of his homeland.

Continue Reading

Morton Gould

Pianist, composer, and conductor of symphonies
Born
December 10th, 1913 111 years ago
Died
February 21st, 1996 29 years ago — 82 years old

A prolific American pianist, composer, and conductor active throughout the 20th century, contributed significantly to orchestral and chamber music. Composed various works that blended classical and popular styles, including symphonies, concertos, and ballets. Served as the conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and composed works for notable institutions including the New York Philharmonic and the National Symphony Orchestra. His musical arrangements gained popularity and were widely performed, expanding the reach of classical music into popular culture.

Continue Reading

Jan Rokycana

Czech bishop and theologian
Born
1396 629 years ago
Died
February 21st, 1471 554 years ago — 75 years old

A prominent figure in Czech history, this individual served as the bishop of Prague during a time of significant religious upheaval. His theological contributions played a crucial role in the Hussite movement. Active in the 15th century, he worked to defend and promote the ideas of Jan Hus. He emphasized the importance of the Bible and administered church reforms, navigating the complexities of church politics amidst opposition from both Catholic and Hussite factions. His leadership helped shape the course of religious developments in Bohemia.

Continue Reading

Jeanne Martin Cissé

Guinean teacher and politician
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
February 21st, 2017 8 years ago — 91 years old

A notable figure in Guinean education and politics, she served as a teacher and was an advocate for women's rights. Cissé held various key positions in the Guinean government, including Minister of Women's Affairs. In the 1980s, she became a member of the National Assembly, where she worked to promote social and political issues affecting women and children. Cissé also represented Guinea at international forums, including the United Nations, contributing to discussions on women's empowerment and education.

Continue Reading

Zdzisław Beksiński

Polish painter and surrealist artist
Born
1929 96 years ago
Died
February 21st, 2005 20 years ago — 76 years old

Born in 1929, an artist focused on surrealist themes through painting, photography, and sculpture. Created haunting and dystopian imagery, with works often described as nightmarish. Lived in Warsaw, evolving a distinctive style characterized by intricate details and a dark palette. Emphasized themes of death and decay, influencing contemporary art. Despite a tragic end to life in 2005, his works are celebrated in galleries worldwide, solidifying his position in the art community.

Continue Reading

Malcolm X

Minister and civil rights activist
Born
May 19th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
February 21st, 1965 60 years ago — 39 years old

A prominent figure in the civil rights movement, advocated for the rights of African Americans. Played a key role as a national spokesman for the Nation of Islam and later founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity. Emphasized black empowerment, self-sufficiency, and the need for racial justice. Assassinated in 1965, leaving a significant impact on civil rights discourse.

Continue Reading