Hedley Verity
English cricketer and soldier
A prominent cricketer, garnered attention for exceptional left-arm spin bowling. Represented Yorkshire County Cricket Club from 1925 to 1939, becoming one of the leading bowlers of his era. Achieved remarkable success during his international career, playing for the English national team and participating in several Ashes series against Australia. Served as a soldier during World War II, being commissioned into the Green Howards regiment. His cricketing achievements remain celebrated even after his early death in 1943.
Took 7 wickets for 49 runs in an Ashes Test
Captured over 1,800 wickets for Yorkshire
Other People Born on May 18th
Norman St John-Stevas
English politician and academic leader
Born
May 18th, 1929 97 years ago
Died
March 2nd, 2012 14 years ago — 82 years old
An English academic and politician served as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster from 1970 to 1974. St John-Stevas was a member of the Conservative Party and represented the Chelmsford constituency in the House of Commons from 1950 to 1974. In addition to his political career, held various academic roles, including being a professor. St John-Stevas was instrumental in promoting arts and education during his tenure in government and was involved in legislative reforms that affected the arts sector.
Continue ReadingAngela Voigt
German long jumper Olympic medalist
Born
May 18th, 1951 75 years ago
Died
April 10th, 2013 13 years ago — 61 years old
Competed in long jump, representing Germany. Secured a silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Achieved success in European competition, winning gold medals at the European Athletics Championships in 1982 and 1986. Established herself as one of the top long jumpers of her time through consistent performances and technical skill.
Continue ReadingMalcolm Longair
Astronomer and physicist, studied black holes
Born
May 18th, 1941 85 years ago
An astronomer and physicist focused on high-energy astrophysics. Contributed to the understanding of black holes and cosmic radio sources. Served as a professor at the University of Cambridge and as a director of the Institute of Astronomy. Authored several significant publications and texts on astrophysics, particularly emphasizing the role of black holes in the universe.
Continue ReadingJacques Santer
Luxembourgish politician and jurist
Born
May 18th, 1937 89 years ago
Born in 1937 in Luxembourg, served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Luxembourg from 1995 to 1999. His administration focused on economic reforms and European integration. Santer was also a member of the European Commission and held the position of President from 1995 until 1999. As Prime Minister, he worked to strengthen Luxembourg's role in the European Union. He contributed to various initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation among member states.
Continue ReadingNicholas II of Russia
Last Emperor of Russia before 1917
Born
May 18th, 1868 158 years ago
Died
1918 108 years ago — 50 years old
Born in 1868, the last Emperor of Russia ruled from 1894 until his abdication in 1917 during the Russian Revolution. Nicholas II faced numerous challenges, including military defeats in World War I and widespread social unrest. His reign saw the fall of the Russian Empire, and he and his family were executed by Bolsheviks in 1918. Historically significant, his reign marked the end of over three centuries of Romanov rule.
Continue ReadingBrad Friedel
Soccer player and sportscaster
Born
May 18th, 1971 55 years ago
Played as a goalkeeper in Major League Soccer and the English Premier League. Became the first American to play in 450 Premier League matches. Represented the United States in three FIFA World Cups, specifically in 1994, 1998, and 2002. Transitioned to coaching and sportscasting after retirement from professional soccer.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 31st
Paul-Henri Spaak
Belgian lawyer and politician, Prime Minister
Born
January 25th, 1899 127 years ago
Died
July 31st, 1972 54 years ago — 73 years old
Served as the 46th Prime Minister of Belgium from 1946 to 1949. Played a significant role in post-war recovery efforts and the integration of European countries through various treaties. Advocated for the establishment of the European Economic Community. Contributed to the modernization of Belgium's infrastructure and public services during a period of reconstruction.
Continue ReadingChiyonofuji Mitsugu
Sumo wrestler with Kaiju record
Born
June 1st, 1955 71 years ago
Died
July 31st, 2016 10 years ago — 61 years old
Competed in sumo wrestling from 1970 to 1997, achieving significant success in the sport. Earned a total of 31 top division championships, which remains a record. Notable for an aggressive style and remarkable physical condition, contributed to a resurgence in the sport's popularity. After retirement, transitioned to a role as a coach and continued to influence the next generation of wrestlers.
Continue ReadingBill Russell
Basketball player and coach; NBA Champion
Born
February 12th, 1934 92 years ago
Died
July 31st, 2022 4 years ago — 88 years old
Basketball player and coach achieved significant success in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Played college basketball at the University of San Francisco, leading the team to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956. Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1956, played a pivotal role in the team's dynasty during the late 1950s and 1960s. Won a total of 11 NBA championships, the most by any player in league history. Served as player-coach for the Celtics, becoming the first African American to hold such a position in the NBA. Upon retirement, became a prominent advocate for civil rights and social justice.
Continue ReadingLuis Vicente de Velasco e Isla
Spanish sailor and naval commander
Born
February 9th, 1711 315 years ago
Died
July 31st, 1762 264 years ago — 51 years old
Born in 1711, served in the Spanish Navy, and played a crucial role in multiple naval operations. Commanded the Spanish naval forces during campaigns in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Oversaw important expeditions and engagements, contributing to Spain's naval presence during the 18th century.
Continue ReadingOmar Torrijos
Panamanian military leader and politician
Born
February 13th, 1929 97 years ago
Died
July 31st, 1981 45 years ago — 52 years old
A prominent military leader and politician in Panama, commanded the National Guard and served as the de facto leader from 1968 until his death in 1981. Established policies focused on social reforms and advocated for the sovereignty of Panama over the Panama Canal, leading to negotiations that culminated in the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, signed in 1977. These treaties facilitated the eventual handover of control of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama, enhancing national pride and control over its resources.
Continue ReadingJohn Bligh
British parliamentarian and Earl
Born
October 1st, 1719 307 years ago
Died
July 31st, 1781 245 years ago — 61 years old
Served as the 3rd Earl of Darnley and contributed to British politics in the 18th century. Held significant positions within the British Parliament, influencing legislative decisions. Engaged in various political and social matters of his time, representing a prominent noble lineage.
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