Panagiotis Giannakis
Basketball coach and Olympic medalist
Gained prominence as a basketball player and coach from Greece. As a player, contributed to the national team, winning a silver medal at the 1987 EuroBasket and securing a gold medal at the 2005 EuroBasket as a coach. Coached various clubs, including the renowned Olympiacos and Aris Thessaloniki. Instrumental in developing the next generation of basketball talent in Greece.
Won silver medal at 1987 EuroBasket
Coached Greece to gold at 2005 EuroBasket
Other People Born on January 1st
Pavel Grachev
Russian General and Minister of Defence
Born
January 1st, 1948 77 years ago
Died
September 23rd, 2012 13 years ago — 64 years old
Born in 1948, served as the 1st Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation from 1992 to 1996. Played a significant role in the Chechen Wars during the 1990s, overseeing military operations. Transitioned into politics after military service, remaining an influential figure within the Russian military establishment. Contributed to military reforms and the restructuring of the armed forces during a critical period in post-Soviet Russia.
Continue ReadingE. M. Forster
English author known for A Passage to India
Born
January 1st, 1879 146 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1970 55 years ago — 91 years old
An English author and playwright, this figure significantly contributed to 20th-century literature. Most influential works include the novels 'A Room with a View,' 'Howards End,' and 'A Passage to India.' Exploration of themes such as class distinction, personal relationships, and the clash of cultures marked the author's writing. Additionally, wrote the libretto for the opera 'Billy Budd' by Benjamin Britten and adapted 'Maurice' into a screenplay. Contributions to literary criticism and essays further showcased the author's viewpoints on literature and society.
Continue ReadingBetsy Ross
Seamstress and flag maker
Born
January 1st, 1752 273 years ago
Died
January 30th, 1836 189 years ago — 84 years old
An American seamstress created flags for the Pennsylvania Navy during the Revolutionary War. Associated with the design of the first American flag featuring stars and stripes, contributions to the war effort included sewing and repairing uniforms and flags. Ross operated a furniture and upholstery shop where the flag design was crafted. In 1776, she reportedly made the first American flag after being visited by General George Washington and other members of the Continental Congress, leading to widespread recognition of her work in American history.
Continue ReadingPope Alexander VI
Pope during the Renaissance period
Born
January 1st, 1431 594 years ago
Died
August 18th, 1503 522 years ago — 72 years old
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Continue ReadingLorenzo de' Medici
Italian politician and patron of arts
Born
January 1st, 1449 576 years ago
Died
April 8th, 1492 533 years ago — 43 years old
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Continue ReadingTeresa Torańska
Journalist and author of 'On the Trail'
Born
January 1st, 1944 81 years ago
Died
January 2nd, 2013 12 years ago — 69 years old
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