Hagos Gebrhiwet
Ethiopian long-distance runner, World Champion
A long-distance runner specialized in the 5000 meters, achieved significant success in international competitions. Won the gold medal at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing in the 5000 meters. Set personal bests in various events, showcasing strong performances on the track. Competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics, finishing in the top ranks of the 5000 meters, solidifying standing as one of the leading athletes in the discipline. Grew up in Ethiopia, a country with a rich history of distance running.
Won gold in the 5000 meters at the 2015 World Championships
Competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics
Other People Born on May 11th
Charlie Gehringer
Baseball player and manager
Born
May 11th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1993 32 years ago — 89 years old
An American baseball player and manager, this individual played for the Detroit Tigers from 1924 to 1942. Recognized as a skilled second baseman, he was a key member of the Tigers team that won the World Series in 1945. In addition to his playing career, he served as the team's manager in the mid-1950s. His contributions to baseball earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1949. Gehringer's proficiency at the plate led to a career batting average of .320 and he established several records during his tenure.
Continue ReadingAntony Hewish
Astronomer, Nobel Prize Winner for Pulsars
Born
May 11th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 97 years old
An English astronomer and academic, contributed to the discovery of pulsars in 1967. Conducted significant research in radio astronomy, leading to important advancements in the understanding of celestial objects. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1974, sharing the honor for pioneering contributions to astrophysics. Served as a professor at the University of Cambridge, influencing future generations of astronomers through education and mentorship.
Continue ReadingJohann Friedrich Blumenbach
Physician and anthropologist
Born
May 11th, 1752 273 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1840 185 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent German physician, physiologist, and anthropologist. Blumenbach significantly contributed to the fields of anthropology and physiology in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He established a classification system that categorized human races based on skull shape, which played a foundational role in biological anthropology. A key figure in the development of comparative anatomy, he studied various physical characteristics of human populations. His work on the variation of human skulls led to the understanding of racial diversity and human classification. Blumenbach also authored several influential texts that addressed topics in medicine and biology, alongside his contributions to the understanding of human variation and species.
Continue ReadingJeremy Paxman
Journalist and author, host of Newsnight
Born
May 11th, 1950 75 years ago
A British journalist and author, recognized for work on the BBC current affairs program Newsnight, where the tenure spanned two decades. Contributed to the portrayal of political events and historical documentaries through literature and broadcasting. Engaged viewers with incisive interviewing techniques and deep political analysis. Authored several books, including historical works and explorations of British culture.
Continue ReadingCory Monteith
Actor and musician, Glee star
Born
May 11th, 1982 43 years ago
Died
July 13th, 2013 12 years ago — 31 years old
An actor and musician, gained fame through the role of Finn Hudson on the television series 'Glee'. Started acting in various television projects before landing a lead role in 'Glee', which ran from 2009 to 2015. In addition to acting, performed in a band and released music associated with the show. Monteith's work on 'Glee' contributed significantly to the show's popularity and cultural impact during its run.
Continue ReadingEdsger W. Dijkstra
Computer Scientist; developed Dijkstra's algorithm
Born
May 11th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
August 6th, 2002 23 years ago — 72 years old
A prominent figure in computer science, contributed significantly to algorithms and programming methodologies. Developed Dijkstra's algorithm for shortest paths in graphs, which is essential in networking and routing. Advocated for structured programming through various writings. Worked at several academic institutions, including the University of Texas at Austin and Eindhoven University of Technology. Received the Turing Award in 1972 for contributions to programming languages and algorithms.
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