Fanny Blankers-Koen
Dutch Olympic track and field athlete
Born
April 26th, 1918
107 years ago
Died
January 25th, 2004
21 years ago — 85 years old
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
Netherlands
Links & References
Achieved prominence as a track and field athlete, specializing in sprinting and hurdling events. Competed in the 1948 London Olympics, earning four gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 80 meters hurdles, and 4x100 meters relay. Set multiple world records during an illustrious career, becoming a significant figure in the history of women's athletics. Retired from competitive sports in 1955, influencing future generations of female athletes.
Won four gold medals at the 1948 London Olympics
Set world records in multiple sprint events
Dominated women's track and field in the 1940s
Other People Born on April 26th
Peter Handscomb
Debuted for the Australian national cricket team in 2016. Played primarily as a middle-order batsman. Part of the team during the 2017-2018 Ashes series, contributing to the team's performance against England. Represented various domestic teams including Victoria and the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League. Known for playing pivotal innings in both Test and limited-overs formats.
Continue ReadingChanning Tatum
Born in 1980, this American acted in several films, gaining recognition for various leading roles. Achievements include starring in the 'Step Up' series which highlighted dance, and the male stripper film 'Magic Mike', which showcased his performance skills. Alongside acting, produced the sequel to 'Magic Mike'. In addition to a successful film career, this actor appeared in the comedy '21 Jump Street', which received critical acclaim and commercial success. Through these works, garnered a strong fan base and established a reputation in Hollywood.
Continue ReadingGerard Cafesjian
An American businessman and philanthropist established a significant presence in the world of art and culture. Involved in various ventures, he notably served as the chairman and owner of the Cafesjian Family Foundation. The foundation focused on supporting the arts, education, and cultural initiatives. Played a crucial role in the development and renovation of the Cafesjian Center for the Arts in Yerevan, Armenia, enhancing its cultural landscape. Contributed to numerous charitable causes, emphasizing the importance of philanthropy in community development.
Continue ReadingCharles Francis Richter
Contributed significantly to the study of seismic waves through the development of magnitude scales. Developed the Richter scale in 1935, which quantifies the size of earthquakes. Worked at the California Institute of Technology and co-authored the book 'Seismic Waves and their Propagation' with Beno Gutenberg. Focused on seismicity in California and introduced the concept of magnitude to categorize earthquakes, influencing the field of seismology and improving earthquake preparedness.
Continue ReadingMitch Rein
Played as a hooker in rugby league, predominantly for St. George Illawarra Dragons in the National Rugby League (NRL). Rein began his professional career in 2010 and gained recognition for his strong defensive skills and contributions to the team's performance. He also played for the Gold Coast Titans later in his career. In addition to club commitments, he represented New South Wales Country in representative matches.
Continue ReadingRoger Moens
Born in Belgium, an athlete excelled in middle-distance running during the 1950s. Competed in the 1500 meters at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Achieved significant success in national championships and European competitions. Transitioned to a career in sportscasting after retiring from competitive athletics, providing insights and commentary on various sporting events.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 25th
Périclès Pantazis
A prominent painter of the late 19th century, this individual focused on landscape and still-life compositions. Regular exhibitions in Brussels showcased works that reflected a strong influence of the Impressionist movement. The artist's creative pursuits were marked by a passion for capturing natural light and color, contributing to the evolution of modern art in Belgium. In later years, the artist returned to Greece, further exploring the themes of Greek nature in the body of work. Various pieces in collections such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent highlight the talent and artistic journey.
Continue ReadingCliff Baxter
Served as Vice Chairman at Enron Corporation, responsible for the company's global markets and strategy. Played a significant role in the energy trading industry during the rise of Enron in the late 1990s. Resigned from Enron in 2001 as the company faced scrutiny over its financial practices. Contributed to the discussion surrounding corporate ethics and accountability. Passed away in 2002 amid ongoing investigations into Enron's collapse.
Continue ReadingSanath Nishantha
Contributed to Sri Lankan politics, particularly within the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party. Served as a Member of Parliament, focusing on development issues and local governance. His tenure involved engagement in various socio-economic initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of constituents. Active in policy discussions and advocating for government reforms, he played a significant role in party operations and electoral strategies. His efforts extended to enhancing public services and infrastructure in the regions he represented.
Continue ReadingNicholas Francis
Served as Duke of Lorraine and Bar during the 17th century. Played a significant role in the politics of the region, especially during the conflicts involving the Habsburgs and France. Oversaw the administration and defense of his duchy amidst ongoing wars, including the Thirty Years' War. His reign saw both political challenges and the continuation of local traditions in governance.
Continue ReadingSarah Louise Delany
An author and educator, contributions included co-authoring the memoir 'Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years' with her sister, which detailed their experiences growing up in the segregated South. Delany served as a teacher and was dedicated to education throughout her career. The memoir became a bestseller and was adapted into a play, helping to bring attention to the lives of African American women in the 20th century.
Continue ReadingW. G. Read Mullan
Played a significant role in American academia and Jesuit education. Contributed to the development of educational institutions under the Jesuit order. Advocated for academic excellence and moral integrity in education, shaping the curriculum and guiding students toward intellectual and religious growth. Engaged in scholarly pursuits and published various works that explored the intersection of faith and education.
Continue Reading