Hakeem Olajuwon
Basketball player, two-time NBA champion
Born in Nigeria, became a professional basketball player after moving to the United States. Played college basketball at the University of Houston, leading the team to the NCAA Championship game. Joined the Houston Rockets in the 1984 NBA Draft and played for them until 2001, also spending a brief time with the Toronto Raptors. Achieved significant success in the NBA, winning two championships in 1994 and 1995. Garnered accolades including NBA MVP in 1994, and was selected for the NBA All-Star Game multiple times. Retired as one of the all-time leaders in points and rebounds, remembered for exceptional skill in both offensive and defensive play.
Won two NBA championships with the Houston Rockets
Named NBA MVP in 1994
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008
Led the league in rebounds during the 1990 season
Other People Born on January 21st
Rosa Kellner
German athlete, 1936 Olympics participant
Born
January 21st, 1910 116 years ago
Died
1984 42 years ago — 74 years old
Competed in athletics, focusing on track and field events. Participated in the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, representing Germany. Contributed to the development of women's athletics during her time. Excelled in sprinting events and earned recognition for her athletic achievements.
Continue ReadingEric Brown
Pilot and test pilot for the UK
Born
January 21st, 1919 107 years ago
Died
February 21st, 2016 9 years ago — 97 years old
A prominent test pilot, achievements included extensive test flights of various aircraft types, including the British jet aircraft. Played a key role in the development of the British aircraft industry. Served in the Royal Navy and contributed significantly during World War II, flying various combat missions and later participating in the development of jet technology. After the war, took on various test pilot roles, including significant contributions to the Hawker Sea Hawk and the de Havilland Comet. Continued to advocate for aviation and participate in historical aerospace events until death.
Continue ReadingDoug Weight
Ice hockey player and coach; Stanley Cup winner
Born
January 21st, 1971 55 years ago
An accomplished ice hockey player and coach, this individual had a successful playing career in the NHL, spanning two decades from 1991 to 2012. Recognized for exceptional playmaking skills, he played for several teams, including the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, and the Carolina Hurricanes. Achievements included winning the Stanley Cup in 2006 with the Carolina Hurricanes. After retirement, transitioned to coaching and held various coaching positions in the NHL, including an assistant coach role.
Continue ReadingElaine Showalter
Literary critic and feminist author
Born
January 21st, 1941 85 years ago
An influential literary critic and scholar, contributions centered on feminist literary criticism and the intersection of gender and literature. Authored several notable works, including 'A Literature of Their Own' and 'The Female Malady', which examined women's writing and mental health. Played a significant role in the development of feminist literary theory and criticism during the late 20th century. Involved in academia as a professor at Princeton University, shaping future scholars and critics.
Continue ReadingNella Martinetti
Swiss singer and television personality
Born
January 21st, 1946 80 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 65 years old
Born in Switzerland, a significant figure in the Swiss music scene, gained recognition as a singer and television host. Achieved popularity for performances in Swiss dialects as well as in French and Italian. Contributed to the cultural landscape through various albums and participation in music festivals. Additionally, hosted several television programs, bringing musical entertainment to a wider audience.
Continue ReadingAlex McLeish
Football manager and former player
Born
January 21st, 1959 67 years ago
Began a career as a professional footballer, primarily playing as a defender for clubs such as Aberdeen and the Scottish national team. Achieved significant success as a manager, notably leading Birmingham City to victory in the 2011 Football League Cup. Also managed clubs like Rangers and Aston Villa, contributing to their competitive standings in domestic leagues. During tenure at Rangers, secured multiple league titles and cup victories.
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