Miloslav Mečíř
Slovak tennis player and Olympic champion
Achieved success in professional tennis during the 1980s and early 1990s. Gained recognition for winning the gold medal in men's singles at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Also reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon in 1984 and earned a ranking as high as World No. 4 in singles. Continued to participate in Davis Cup competitions, representing Czechoslovakia and later Slovakia. Played a crucial role in promoting tennis in Slovakia after retirement.
Gold medal in men's singles at the 1988 Olympics
Reached quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 1984
Ranked World No. 4 in singles
Other People Born on May 19th
Colin Chapman
British engineer and founder of Lotus Cars
Born
May 19th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
December 16th, 1982 43 years ago — 54 years old
An English engineer and businessman founded Lotus Cars, a marque synonymous with innovative automotive design. Established in 1952, the company gained recognition for its lightweight sports cars and Formula One racing vehicles. The innovative use of materials and engineering principles revolutionized the racing industry. Chapman played a significant role in the development of the Lotus 49, which was the first car to use a rear-mounted engine, leading to numerous successes in Formula One during the 1960s. His contributions to automotive engineering left a lasting legacy, influencing car design well beyond his time.
Continue ReadingTaane Milne
New Zealand rugby league player
Born
May 19th, 1995 30 years ago
Milne played as a professional rugby league player, primarily in the center position. He began his professional career with the Wests Tigers in 2014 and later played for St. George Illawarra Dragons and the New Zealand Warriors. Throughout his career, he showcased his skills in the National Rugby League (NRL), becoming recognized for his performances on the field.
Continue ReadingDolph Schayes
Basketball player and coach, NBA All-Star
Born
May 19th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
December 10th, 2015 10 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent basketball figure, played as a power forward and center in the NBA from 1948 to 1964. Spent the majority of career with the Syracuse Nationals, leading the team to the 1955 NBA Championship. After retirement from playing, transitioned to coaching, guiding teams in the ABA and NBA. Schayes's contributions to the game encompassed scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess, establishing him as a key player during the early years of professional basketball.
Continue ReadingDick Scobee
Astronaut and Space Shuttle Commander
Born
May 19th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 47 years old
Born in 1939, a pilot and astronaut served in the United States Air Force before joining NASA. Participated in several significant missions, including STS-41-C and STS-51-L, where he held the position of commander. During the latter flight, the Space Shuttle Challenger tragically disintegrated shortly after launch, resulting in the loss of all crew members. Scobee's contributions to space exploration and his leadership during missions are part of his legacy.
Continue ReadingDick Slater
Professional wrestler and wrestling promoter
Born
May 19th, 1951 74 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 67 years old
A professional wrestler and promoter, achieved recognition in the 1970s and 1980s. Competed in major wrestling promotions including World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Also contributed as a trainer to upcoming wrestlers throughout a long career spanning multiple decades. Gained a reputation for his technical wrestling skills and charismatic persona, influencing a generation of wrestlers.
Continue ReadingAlma Cogan
English singer with chart-topping hits
Born
May 19th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
October 26th, 1966 59 years ago — 34 years old
Achieved popularity as a British singer during the 1950s and early 1960s, often referred to as 'The Girl with the Giggle in Her Voice.' Gained fame for hit songs such as 'Wonderland by Night' and 'Bell Bottom Blues'. Captured audiences with a distinctive style that blended vocal talent with charismatic performances. Had significant chart success in the UK, earning multiple hits in the top 10.
Continue Reading