Marie-José Pérec

French sprinter and Olympic champion

Marie-José Pérec - French sprinter and Olympic champion
Born

May 9th, 1968
56 years ago

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

France

Links & References

A prominent figure in track and field, this athlete specialized in sprinting events, particularly the 400 meters. Achievements include winning three Olympic gold medals, awarded at the 1992 Barcelona Games and the 1996 Atlanta Games. Dominance in European Championships was also demonstrated, with multiple titles secured during competitive career. The athlete set several national and personal records, propelling France onto the global stage in athletics. It is noted that her achievements in athletics have inspired many within the sport.

Winning gold in the 400 meters at the 1992 Olympics

Winning gold in the 400 meters at the 1996 Olympics

Securing the 200 meters title at the 1995 World Championships

Other People Born on May 9th

Majlinda Kelmendi

Kosovar judoka, Olympic gold medalist
Born
May 9th, 1991 33 years ago

Born in 1991, a judoka from Kosovo achieved significant success in the sport. Competing in the -52 kg weight category, won the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, marking a historic achievement for Kosovo in Olympic history. Dominated European competitions, securing multiple titles, including the European Judo Championships in 2014. Represented Kosovo in various international tournaments, helping to raise the profile of judo in the country.

Continue Reading

Joan Sims

English actress in television and film
Born
May 9th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
June 27th, 2001 23 years ago — 71 years old

An English actress gained recognition for a prolific career in film and television, particularly through participation in the 'Carry On' series. The series featured numerous comedic films, and she became a prominent figure in British comedy. Sims also appeared in popular television shows, including 'Doctor Who' and 'The Good Life', contributing to the cultural landscape of British entertainment. Her work spanned decades, leaving a significant legacy within the genre.

Continue Reading

Vance D. Brand

American astronaut and engineer
Born
May 9th, 1931 93 years ago

An American pilot, engineer, and astronaut, played a significant role in NASA's Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. Participated in three spaceflights, including Apollo 15, which was the fourth crewed lunar landing mission. Completed multiple missions aboard the Space Shuttle, including STS-5, the first operational flight of the program, and STS-41B, which included the deployment of the first tracking and data relay satellite. Contributed to various aeronautical engineering projects before making significant contributions to human spaceflight.

Continue Reading

Peter Hesketh-Fleetwood

English politician, founder of Fleetwood
Born
May 9th, 1801 223 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1866 159 years ago — 64 years old

An English politician contributed to local governance and urban development. Played a significant role in the establishment of the town of Fleetwood, ensuring infrastructure and community services were developed. Actively participated in regional politics, influencing decisions that affected the town's growth.

Continue Reading

Tony Gwynn

Baseball player and coach for Padres
Born
May 9th, 1960 64 years ago
Died
June 16th, 2014 10 years ago — 54 years old

A prominent baseball player and coach, achieved significant success in Major League Baseball. Played primarily for the San Diego Padres from 1982 to 2001. Accumulated 3,141 hits during his career, ranking among the top 20 players in MLB history. Renowned for exceptional batting skills, leading the National League in batting average eight times. Contributed to the Padres' journey to the World Series in 1984 and 1998. After retiring, transitioned into coaching and remained active in baseball until passing in 2014.

Continue Reading

Paul Heaton

English singer-songwriter and musician
Born
May 9th, 1962 62 years ago

A prominent English singer-songwriter and musician, significant contributions were made to the music scene starting in the 1980s. As the lead vocalist of The Beautiful South, a band formed in 1988, achieved recognition with hit songs like 'Song for Whoever' and 'A Little Time'. Later, formed a successful partnership with Jacqui Abbott, releasing multiple albums. Notable for blending pop with elements of folk and jazz, often addressing social themes in lyrics.

Continue Reading