Galen Rupp
American long-distance runner, Olympic medalist
An accomplished long-distance runner specializing in the 10,000 meters and the marathon. Achieved significant success on the international stage, earning medals at major championships. Competed in the Olympics multiple times, securing a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters at the 2012 London Olympics and a silver medal in the same event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Transitioned to marathon running with notable performances, including a second-place finish at the 2016 Chicago Marathon.
Bronze medal in the 10,000 meters at the 2012 Olympics
Silver medal in the 10,000 meters at the 2020 Olympics
Second place at the 2016 Chicago Marathon
Other People Born on May 8th
Bill Cowher
American football coach and analyst
Born
May 8th, 1957 68 years ago
A former American football player and coach, gained recognition as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1992 to 2006. Led the team to victory in Super Bowl XL in 2006. Prior to coaching, played as a linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles. After retiring from coaching, transitioned into a career as a sports analyst, providing insights on NFL broadcasts.
Continue ReadingBad News Brown
Canadian rapper and actor
Born
May 8th, 1977 48 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 34 years old
A Canadian rapper, harmonica player, and actor. Rose to prominence in the music scene with a unique blend of hip-hop and harmonica performances. Gained recognition for collaborations with various artists and contributed to the Canadian hip-hop landscape. Transitioned into acting, appearing in notable productions that showcased versatility in performance. Helped to elevate the profile of Canadian rap through creative expression and musical innovation.
Continue ReadingRoss Barnes
Baseball player and manager in 19th century
Born
May 8th, 1850 175 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1915 110 years ago — 64 years old
An American baseball player and manager, made significant contributions to the early development of professional baseball. Played as a shortstop and was one of the first players to excel in batting, earning a reputation as a skilled hitter. Competed in the National League with the Chicago White Stockings, leading the league in batting average multiple times. Transitioned into managing, taking leadership roles with various teams, which included stints in the minor leagues. His playing career and managerial roles helped shape the strategies of the game in its formative years.
Continue ReadingMladen Markač
Croatian General, Operation Storm leader
Born
May 8th, 1955 70 years ago
Born in 1955, a Croatian general served prominently during the Croatian War of Independence. Commanded the 1st Guards Brigade and played a significant role in Operation Storm, a major military offensive that contributed to the end of the conflict. After the war, held various positions within the Croatian military and government. In 2011, acquitted of war crimes charges by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, leading to a focus on military reform and veterans' affairs in Croatia.
Continue ReadingClaes Rålamb
Swedish statesman and diplomat
Born
May 8th, 1622 403 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1698 327 years ago — 75 years old
A prominent figure in 17th-century Sweden, served as an influential statesman and diplomat. Held the position of Envoy Extraordinary to France and participated in various diplomatic missions. Played a vital role in negotiations during the Treaty of Karlowitz. Engaged in the governance of Sweden, contributing to the political landscape of the era. His efforts in diplomacy and statecraft were significant during a tumultuous period in Swedish history.
Continue ReadingWilliam Walker
American mercenary and expedition leader
Born
May 8th, 1824 201 years ago
Died
1860 165 years ago — 36 years old
A physician, lawyer, and journalist, engaged in mercenary activities in Central America during the mid-19th century. He led expeditions to Nicaragua, aiming to establish English-speaking colonies under his control. Became president of Nicaragua in 1856 after a successful conquest, promoting the establishment of a slave state. Overthrown in 1857, he returned to Nicaragua in 1860, but was captured and executed in 1860.
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