Iolanda Balaș
Romanian high jumper Olympic champion
Achieved significant success in high jump during the 1950s. Competed in international events representing Romania. Won a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Set multiple world records throughout her career, including a remarkable jump of 1.85 meters in 1961. Retired in 1965, leaving a legacy in the sport.
Won the gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics
Set a world record of 1.85 meters in 1961
Other People Born on December 12th
Victor Moses
Footballer and Premier League Champion
Born
December 12th, 1990 35 years ago
A professional footballer with a career spanning multiple clubs, achieved prominence in football primarily in England. Began early career at Crystal Palace before moving to Wigan Athletic, where contributed to the team winning the FA Cup in 2013. Transferred to Chelsea in 2012, where won the Premier League title in 2015 and the UEFA Champions League in 2021. Additionally represented the Nigerian national team in international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Continue ReadingNixon Chepseba
Kenyan middle-distance runner, World Champion
Born
December 12th, 1990 35 years ago
A middle-distance runner specialized in the 1500 meters. Achieved significant success on the international stage, including winning the gold medal at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics held in Daegu, South Korea. Competed in various prestigious competitions, representing Kenya and showcasing exceptional athletic talent. Established a reputation as one of the prominent runners in the event during his career.
Continue ReadingTyron Smith
NFL Offensive Tackle, Super Bowl Champion
Born
December 12th, 1990 35 years ago
Professional American football player excelled as an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2011, contributed to the team's success over multiple seasons. Played an integral role in the offensive line, providing protection for quarterbacks and paving the way for running backs. Recognized for exceptional performance and durability on the field.
Continue ReadingMichael Möllenbeck
German discus thrower and champion
Born
December 12th, 1969 56 years ago
A discus thrower who competed at an elite level, achieving significant success in the sport. Competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics held in Barcelona. Secured a gold medal at the 1994 European Championships in Helsinki, showcasing skill and strength in the event. Retired from competitive athletics after a successful career, contributing to the sport's heritage in Germany.
Continue ReadingDickey Betts
Rock Musician and Allman Brothers Member
Born
December 12th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
April 18th, 2024 1 years ago — 80 years old
Guitarist, singer, and songwriter associated with the southern rock genre. Co-founded the Allman Brothers Band, contributing to their signature sound with innovative guitar work and compositions. Key songs included "Ramblin' Man" and "Jessica," which showcased a blend of rock, blues, and jazz influences. Developed a successful solo career with albums like "Highway Call". Played a significant role in live performances and songwriting for the band throughout the 1970s and beyond, influencing subsequent generations of musicians.
Continue ReadingDattu Phadkar
Indian cricketer and Test player
Born
December 12th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
1985 40 years ago — 60 years old
Active in the 1940s and 1950s, contributed significantly to Indian cricket. Represented India in 5 Test matches from 1948 to 1952, playing primarily as a batsman. Part of the team during the inaugural tour of India to England. Developed a reputation as a reliable player, showcasing skills in challenging conditions.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 11th
Sambhaji
Indian emperor of the Maratha Empire
Born
May 14th, 1657 368 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1689 336 years ago — 31 years old
Born on May 14, 1657, an Indian emperor ruled the Maratha Empire after the death of his father, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Ascended to the throne in 1681, faced numerous challenges from both Mughal forces and internal dissent. His tenure saw continuous warfare as he defended the empire against the Mughal Empire's expansion under Aurangzeb. Sambhaji also engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure alliances with other regional powers. Captured in 1689, he faced brutal treatment and execution, becoming a martyr in Maratha history.
Continue ReadingSonny Terry
Harmonica player and blues singer
Born
October 24th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1986 39 years ago — 74 years old
An influential figure in the blues genre, notable for innovative harmonica playing and vocal style. Collaborated extensively with guitarist Brownie McGhee, creating a significant body of work that showcased the depth of blues music. Recorded numerous albums, gaining recognition for performances that highlighted traditional Southern blues. Contributed to the folk revival of the 1960s through appearances at festivals and in clubs, influencing a generation of musicians. Also made contributions to film and television by performing in various productions.
Continue ReadingSlobodan Milošević
Serbian politician and former president
Born
August 20th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
March 11th, 2006 19 years ago — 64 years old
Served as the 3rd President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1997 to 2000. Prior to the presidency, held the position of President of Serbia from 1989. His leadership was marked by significant political turmoil, including the Yugoslav Wars throughout the 1990s, which were characterized by ethnic conflicts and international disputes. After losing power, faced trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Died in custody in 2006 while awaiting trial proceedings.
Continue ReadingBenjamin Waugh
English activist, founder of NSPCC
Born
February 20th, 1839 186 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1908 117 years ago — 69 years old
An English activist founded the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in 1884, advocating for children's rights and welfare. Worked to expose child abuse and promotion of protective legislation for children. Involved in early initiatives to raise awareness of child poverty and neglect in the Victorian era. Launched campaigns to reform child labor laws and addressed the need for child protection services within the legal system.
Continue ReadingClaude François
Singer-songwriter and dancer
Born
February 1st, 1939 86 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1978 47 years ago — 39 years old
Born in Egypt and later based in France, this individual gained prominence in the music scene during the 1960s. His style blended pop and rock with elements of traditional French chanson. He reached significant success with popular songs, including 'Comme d'habitude', which was later adapted into 'My Way' by Frank Sinatra. This artist also made contributions as a dancer and producer, shaping the live music experience in his performances. His career was marked by both chart-topping hits and energetic stage presence, leading to a lasting influence on the French music industry.
Continue ReadingRichard Brooks
American director and screenwriter
Born
May 18th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1992 33 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent director, producer, and screenwriter, contributed significantly to American cinema from the 1950s to the 1980s. Directed notable films such as 'Elmer Gantry', which garnered critical acclaim and earned Academy Awards. Worked on various genres, including drama and crime, and created influential television series. Demonstrated skill in adapting literary works to film, evident in successful adaptations like 'In Cold Blood'.
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