Joan Benoit

American long-distance runner; Olympic champion

Joan Benoit - American long-distance runner; Olympic champion
Born

May 16th, 1957
67 years ago

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

United States

Links & References

A long-distance runner specialized in the marathon distance. Achieved fame by winning the inaugural women's marathon at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Set a world record in the women's marathon, completing the race in 2:22:43 at the 1983 Chicago Marathon. Gained recognition for contributions to the sport and for inspiring future generations of female athletes. Competed successfully in other prominent events, including the 1985 New York City Marathon, solidifying status as a leading figure in women's running.

Winning the gold medal in the women's marathon at the 1984 Olympics

Setting a world record in the women's marathon at the 1983 Chicago Marathon

Other People Born on May 16th

Wolfgang I of Oettingen

German Count in the Oettingen dynasty
Born
May 16th, 1455 569 years ago
Died
1522 503 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1455, a prominent count from the Oettingen dynasty in Germany. Held substantial influence during his reign, focusing on territorial management and alliances. Engaged in local politics, working to strengthen the family's status within the Holy Roman Empire. Led various campaigns to defend the interests of the Oettingen lands, often involving diplomacy with rival factions. Contributed to the development of governance in the region through strategic marriages and land acquisitions.

Continue Reading

Martynas Gecevičius

Lithuanian basketball player, Panevėžys team
Born
May 16th, 1988 36 years ago

Born in 1988, this professional basketball player played primarily as a shooting guard. Gecevičius began his career in Lithuania's national league and achieved recognition for his scoring ability and sharpshooting skills. He played for various clubs in Lithuania and had stints in other European leagues. His international career includes participation in several European Championships with the Lithuanian national team. The player contributed to Lithuania's reputation as a basketball powerhouse in Europe, known for producing top-tier talent.

Continue Reading

Nílton Santos

Brazilian footballer, 1958 World Cup winner
Born
May 16th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
November 27th, 2013 11 years ago — 88 years old

A renowned Brazilian footballer, played as a left-back. Contributed significantly to the Brazilian national team, participating in the 1954 and 1958 World Cups. Instrumental in Brazil's victory in the 1958 World Cup held in Sweden. Spent the majority of his club career at Botafogo, becoming a key player and an emblematic figure of the team. His style and skills on the pitch influenced the modern full-back role in football.

Continue Reading

Studs Terkel

Historian and author of 'Working'
Born
May 16th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2008 16 years ago — 96 years old

A prominent American oral historian and author, this individual produced significant works that captured the voices of everyday Americans. The most notable book, 'Working', published in 1974, offers a collection of interviews that give insight into the lives and experiences of various laborers across different occupations. Beyond this monumental work, contributions include 'The Good War', an exploration of World War II through personal narratives, and numerous other titles that reflect on American life and history. This individual engaged with complex social issues, articulating the experiences of ordinary people through storytelling that resonated widely.

Continue Reading

Friedrich Gulda

Austrian pianist and composer
Born
May 16th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
January 27th, 2000 25 years ago — 69 years old

Gulda gained recognition as both a classical pianist and a jazz musician. He studied under several prominent teachers, including the renowned Alfred Brendel. Gulda's performances often included a blend of classical repertoire and improvisation, reflecting his dual interests. Instrumental in promoting new music, he composed several works for piano and chamber ensembles. Gulda was also associated with the Vienna Philharmonic and recorded extensive solo piano works, notably the complete Beethoven sonatas. His innovative style and approach broke traditional boundaries between genres.

Continue Reading

Phil Clarke

Rugby league player and sportscaster
Born
May 16th, 1971 53 years ago

Played rugby league primarily for Wigan Warriors and participated in the England national team. Achieved significant success during the 1990s, contributing to Wigan's dominance in the sport. Post-retirement, transitioned into a career as a sportscaster, providing analysis and commentary for rugby league matches across various media platforms.

Continue Reading