Li Zijun
Chinese figure skater winning medals
Started figure skating at a young age and quickly progressed through the competitive ranks. Achieved prominence in the sport with a series of strong performances in national and international competitions. Gained recognition for technical skills and artistry on ice, culminating in notable placements at the World Championships and Four Continents Championships. Represented China in various international events, showcasing talent and determination.
Won the silver medal at the 2015 Four Continents Championships
Placed 6th at the 2014 World Championships
Other People Born on December 14th
Álvaro Odriozola
Footballer, Real Madrid defender
Born
December 14th, 1995 30 years ago
Professionally played football starting in youth teams before joining Real Madrid in 2018. Represented Spain at various youth levels and the senior national team. Had loan spells at Fiorentina, contributing to his team's defensive lineup. In 2017, won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship with Spain, showcasing talent on an international level.
Continue ReadingRoger Fry
English painter and art critic
Born
December 14th, 1866 159 years ago
Died
September 9th, 1934 91 years ago — 67 years old
Born in 1866, an English painter and art critic contributed significantly to the development of modern art in Britain. With a background in philosophy and art history, played a crucial role in introducing Post-Impressionism to British audiences. Founded the Omega Workshops, which showcased innovative designs and artworks, promoting the marriage of fine arts and crafts. Authored several influential essays on art theory, advocating for the appreciation of art's emotional expression beyond mere representation. Held exhibitions that featured prominent artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne, helping to elevate their status in the UK.
Continue ReadingErastus Corning
American politician and businessman
Born
December 14th, 1794 231 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1872 153 years ago — 77 years old
Served as the mayor of Albany, New York for a total of 20 years across several non-consecutive terms. Engaged in multiple business ventures, including contributing to the development of the railroad industry in New York. Corning also played a significant role in local politics and governance, influencing infrastructure and economic policies during the mid-19th century.
Continue ReadingHans von Ohain
Physicist and engineer of jet propulsion
Born
December 14th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
March 13th, 1998 28 years ago — 86 years old
A German-American physicist and engineer primarily associated with the development of the turbojet engine. Contributions to aviation technology included designing the world's first operational turbojet engine, which powered the Heinkel He 178, the first jet-powered aircraft to fly successfully in 1939. After World War II, immigration to the United States led to further research and development in aerospace technology, including work for major corporations such as North American Aviation and NASA. He held more than 60 patents in the field of propulsion systems.
Continue ReadingJerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz
Swimmer and water polo player
Born
December 14th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1943 83 years ago — 31 years old
Greek-Polish athlete specialized in swimming and water polo. Competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics representing Poland in swimming events. Played for the Polish national water polo team, contributing to its development during the late 1930s. Engaged in training future athletes and promoted aquatic sports in Poland. His career was cut short due to the circumstances of World War II, resulting in his passing in 1943.
Continue ReadingCharles Wolfe
Irish priest and poet with notable verse
Born
December 14th, 1791 234 years ago
Died
1823 203 years ago — 32 years old
A priest and poet from Ireland, contributed significantly to 19th-century literature. Wolfe is celebrated for the poignant poem 'The Burial of Sir John Moore After Corunna,' which reflects the emotions surrounding the death of a British officer during the Peninsular War. The poem highlights themes of honor, grief, and patriotism, resonating with readers for generations. Wolfe's work is characterized by a deep sense of humanity and lyrical quality, showcasing the influence of Romanticism in his poetry. Wolfe's literary legacy remains influential in discussions of Irish poetry and the broader Romantic tradition.
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