François Sterchele
Belgian footballer with notable goals.
Played professional football primarily as a forward. Began career at Germinal Beerschot and later joined Club Brugge, where notable performances included contributing to the team's successes in domestic leagues. Transferred to the Belgian national team and achieved recognition for skills and scoring ability. Tragically passed away in 2008, cutting a promising career short.
Played for Club Brugge
Scored key goals in Belgian Pro League
Other People Born on March 14th
Pieter van den Hoogenband
Dutch Olympic swimmer with multiple medals
Born
March 14th, 1978 47 years ago
Achieved significant success in competitive swimming, focusing on freestyle events. Represented the Netherlands at the Summer Olympics, securing a total of three gold and two silver medals. Established world records in the 100m and 200m freestyle events during his career. Competed in several World Championships, earning multiple titles and accolades, further solidifying a place among the elite swimmers of his time.
Continue ReadingAlgernon Blackwood
English author of supernatural fiction
Born
March 14th, 1869 156 years ago
Died
December 10th, 1951 74 years ago — 82 years old
An English author and playwright, contributions primarily focused on supernatural fiction. Writings included short stories, novels, and plays, often exploring themes of nature and the unknown. Developed a distinctive voice in the genre, celebrated for a unique ability to evoke atmosphere and suspense. Works frequently published in various literary magazines, gaining a considerable readership during the early 20th century. Among the most celebrated stories are 'The Willows' and 'The Wendigo', illustrating the blend of the natural world with the supernatural. Also involved in theatre, producing stage adaptations of own works.
Continue ReadingNaoki Matsuda
Japanese footballer and defender
Born
March 14th, 1977 48 years ago
Died
August 4th, 2011 14 years ago — 34 years old
A professional footballer played primarily as a defender. Matsuda began his career with Yokohama F. Marinos, where he contributed to multiple J. League successes. Later, he had a stint in the Japanese national team, earning caps and participating in significant tournaments. His career was significant for its duration and the influence he had in Japanese football during the early 2000s. Matsuda's unexpected passing in 2011 after a heart attack shocked the football community.
Continue ReadingSimone Biles
Gymnast and Olympic gold medalist
Born
March 14th, 1997 28 years ago
An accomplished gymnast specializing in artistic gymnastics. Achieved a record total of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, making a significant impact in the sport. Dominated events during the 2016 Rio Olympics, securing four gold medals and one bronze. Also contributed to team success at the 2014 and 2015 World Championships, leading the USA to multiple victories. Known for a pioneering approach in gymnastics that emphasized both athleticism and artistry.
Continue ReadingWes Unseld
Basketball player, coach, and manager
Born
March 14th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 74 years old
A prominent basketball player, coach, and manager, he played as a center for the Baltimore Bullets from 1968 to 1981. He was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988. After retiring as a player, served as the head coach for the Bullets from 1988 to 1994 and later in various managerial roles. His style of play and effectiveness on the court set him apart as a significant figure in the history of basketball.
Continue ReadingBakhtiyar Artayev
Kazakh boxer, Olympic gold medalist
Born
March 14th, 1983 42 years ago
This boxer achieved notable success in the sport of boxing, winning a gold medal in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games in the light welterweight division. He competed professionally after the Olympics and took part in several international competitions, showcasing skill and determination throughout his career. In addition to the Olympic victory, this athlete participated in the World Amateur Boxing Championships, contributing to a legacy in Kazakh boxing. His achievements in boxing have made a significant mark in the sports community of Kazakhstan.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 8th
Tore Svennberg
Swedish actor and film director
Born
February 28th, 1858 167 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1941 84 years ago — 83 years old
Born in Sweden, a prominent figure in early cinema and theater. Worked extensively in film and stage productions, contributing to the growth of the arts in the region. Directed several films and participated in numerous theatrical performances, highlighting the evolution of Swedish entertainment. Also took part in the burgeoning movement of cinema during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, influencing the artistic landscape of the time.
Continue ReadingU Saw
Burmese politician, Prime Minister of Burma
Born
1900 125 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1948 77 years ago — 48 years old
Served as Prime Minister of Burma from 1948 to 1948. Played a significant role in the country's political landscape during a pivotal time in its history following independence from British rule. Involved in various political activities and organizations that shaped the early government frameworks of Burma. Engaged in national politics and was active in the struggle for independence, highlighting the complexities of post-colonial governance.
Continue ReadingMordechai Anielewicz
Polish commander of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1943 82 years ago — 24 years old
Served as a commander in the Jewish Fighting Organization during World War II. Led the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising against Nazi forces in April 1943. Coordinated resistance efforts in one of the most significant uprisings in occupied Europe. Anielewicz and his group faced severe challenges due to overwhelming odds and limited resources, ultimately leading to the destruction of the ghetto. Died during the uprising on May 8, 1943, while fighting against the Nazis.
Continue ReadingAhmed Sanjar
Seljuk Sultan and military leader
Born
1086 939 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1157 868 years ago — 71 years old
Ruled as a Sultan of the Great Seljuk Empire during the 12th century, one of the last prominent rulers of the Seljuk dynasty. Established a brief reign characterized by military campaigns against various factions and significant control over Persian territories. Oversaw the expansion of the empire into regions of modern-day Iran and parts of Central Asia. Experienced defeats against rival states but maintained authority over important areas until the decline of Seljuk power.
Continue ReadingNatalie
Queen consort of Serbia
Born
1859 166 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1941 84 years ago — 82 years old
Served as queen consort of Serbia from 1882 until 1889. Came from the House of Karađorđević through marriage to King Milan I. Actively engaged in charitable causes and social welfare. Fostered cultural development and education in Serbia during her tenure. After King Milan's abdication, she moved to exile in France.
Continue ReadingKamehameha I
King of the Hawaiian Islands
Born
1738 287 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1819 206 years ago — 81 years old
A warrior and chief, unified the Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom. Established a royal dynasty and a code of laws known as the Law of the Splintered Paddle, which emphasized the protection of the weak. Strengthened trade relations with Western powers and promoted agricultural development, leading to economic growth.
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