Jan Smeets

Chess Grandmaster and Dutch champion

Jan Smeets - Chess Grandmaster and Dutch champion
Born

April 5th, 1985
40 years ago

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

Netherlands

Links & References

Achieved the title of Grandmaster in chess. Won the Dutch Chess Championship multiple times. Competed in various international tournaments, showcasing strategic expertise in the game. Contributed to the chess community through teaching and mentoring upcoming players.

Won the Dutch Chess Championship in 2005

Achieved Grandmaster title in 2008

Represented the Netherlands in Chess Olympiads

Other People Born on April 5th

Andrius Velička

Lithuanian footballer, Euro 2008 participant
Born
April 5th, 1979 46 years ago

A Lithuanian footballer played as a forward. Career spanned multiple clubs including FK Žalgiris and FC Stumbras. Participated in UEFA Euro 2008 with the national team, making significant contributions during the tournament. Had a notable club career, achieving success in domestic leagues and competing in European competitions. Played in various countries, including England and Poland, contributing to team successes. Retired from professional football, leaving a legacy in Lithuanian football.

Continue Reading

Darija Jurak

Croatian tennis player, doubles specialist
Born
April 5th, 1984 41 years ago

A professional tennis player, achieved notable success in doubles competitions. Competed in Grand Slam events and represented Croatia in international tournaments. Partnered with various players to gain recognition on the WTA Tour, specifically in doubles. Reached the highest doubles ranking of No. 5 in the world and captured several WTA doubles titles throughout the career.

Continue Reading

Louis Ganne

French conductor and composer
Born
April 5th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
1923 102 years ago — 61 years old

Born in 1862, Ganne was a prominent French conductor and composer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He studied at the Paris Conservatory and became known for his leadership at various musical institutions. Ganne's compositions were mainly in the realm of operettas, and he served as the conductor for the prestigious Palais Garnier, where he premiered several of his own works. His contributions to the music community were influential during his time, with a focus on choral and orchestral music. Ganne passed away in 1923, leaving a legacy within the French musical tradition.

Continue Reading

Paul Okon

Footballer and manager; Australian national team
Born
April 5th, 1972 53 years ago

Played professional football primarily as a midfielder, having significant spells in the A-League with teams like Parramatta Eagles and Newcastle Jets. Competed internationally for the Australian national team, earning over 30 caps. Transitioned into management after retirement, taking roles at various clubs and focusing on youth development within Australian football.

Continue Reading

Irina Timofeyeva

Russian long-distance runner with medals
Born
April 5th, 1970 55 years ago

A long-distance runner achieved significant recognition in the sport, particularly in the 10,000 meters. Competed successfully in several international championships during the career, contributing to the prominence of Russian athletics on the global stage. Participated in multiple editions of the World Championships and Olympic Games. Accumulated multiple national titles and was celebrated for setting personal bests in long-distance events.

Continue Reading

Barbara Holland

American author of humorous essays
Born
April 5th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
September 7th, 2010 14 years ago — 77 years old

An American author, wrote humorous essays and novels throughout a prolific career. Notable works include 'Summer at Tiffany' and 'The Last of the Doughboys.' Her writings often reflected on life and culture, showcasing a unique perspective and wit. Holland's career spanned several decades, during which she contributed to various publications and developed a loyal readership. Apart from fiction, she published insightful essays that captured the quirks of everyday life, contributing significantly to the genre of humorous writing.

Continue Reading