Roger Bannister
Middle-distance athlete, first sub-4 minute miler
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
An English middle-distance athlete achieved global recognition for running the first official sub-four-minute mile on May 6, 1954, with a time of 3 minutes 59.4 seconds at Iffley Road Track in Oxford. This historic feat marked a significant milestone in athletics. After retiring from competitive running, pursued a career in medicine, becoming a neurologist. Contributed to the medical community through research and teaching.
Ran the first sub-four-minute mile in 1954
Became a distinguished neurologist
Other People Born on March 23rd
Etienne De Wilde
Belgian Cyclist, Olympic Gold Medalist
Born
March 23rd, 1958 67 years ago
A Belgian cyclist specialized in track cycling, participated in the 1980 Summer Olympics. Achieved notable success in the points race event, securing a gold medal. Competed professionally and contributed to the sport with numerous victories in various championships. Left a lasting legacy in Belgian cycling.
Continue ReadingCatherine Keener
Actress notable in independent films
Born
March 23rd, 1959 66 years ago
An American actress gained recognition in the 1990s for performances in independent films and mainstream releases. Achieved critical acclaim for roles in 'Being John Malkovich', 'Capote', and 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin'. Earned multiple Academy Award nominations and won a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding guest actress in a drama series.
Continue ReadingJaime Alguersuari
Race car driver, Formula One competitor
Born
March 23rd, 1990 35 years ago
Born in 1990, a race car driver competed in Formula One for Scuderia Toro Rosso. Debuted in 2009 at the Hungarian Grand Prix, becoming the first Spanish driver to race for Toro Rosso. Contributed to the team's efforts in multiple seasons, participating in a total of 46 races. Transitioned to other racing series post-Formula One, including the FIA Formula E Championship.
Continue ReadingFranz Schreker
Austrian composer and conductor renowned
Born
March 23rd, 1878 147 years ago
Died
March 21st, 1934 91 years ago — 55 years old
Contributed significantly to early 20th-century music. Composed operas, orchestral works, and chamber music, often integrating rich orchestration and innovative harmonic techniques. Works include operas like 'Die Gezeichneten' and 'Der Schatzgräber'. Held the position of professor at the Vienna Academy of Music, influencing a generation of composers. Faced challenges during the rise of the Nazi regime, which led to a decline in popularity and performances of his works.
Continue ReadingMichal Neuvirth
Czech ice hockey goaltender and player
Born
March 23rd, 1988 37 years ago
Played professional ice hockey as a goaltender in the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted by the Washington Capitals in the second round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Played for several NHL teams including the Capitals, the Philadelphia Flyers, and the New York Islanders. Competed in international tournaments representing the Czech Republic.
Continue ReadingTolga Ciğerci
German-Turkish football midfielder
Born
March 23rd, 1992 33 years ago
Born in 1992, this football midfielder developed a career in professional football, playing primarily in the Bundesliga and lower divisions in Germany. He began his youth career at SC Freiburg before moving to VfL Wolfsburg, where he made his professional debut. Later, he played for several clubs, including FC St. Pauli and SV Sandhausen, contributing significantly on the field. His dual heritage has allowed him to represent both Germany and Turkey in various youth international competitions.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 3rd
Eugen d'Albert
Pianist and composer of 'Tiefland'
Born
April 10th, 1864 161 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1932 93 years ago — 67 years old
Born in 1864, a pianist and composer who gained recognition for contributions to classical music. Studied at the Royal Conservatory in Frankfurt and earned acclaim for both piano performances and compositions. Composed operas, symphonic works, and songs throughout a prolific career. 'Tiefland', an opera, remains one of the most enduring works. Received several accolades for music, allowing for a prominent presence in the European musical landscape. D'Albert also served as a teacher, influencing the next generation of musicians.
Continue ReadingGoffredo Petrassi
Italian composer and conductor
Born
July 16th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 2003 22 years ago — 98 years old
A prominent 20th-century composer and conductor, contributed significantly to contemporary classical music. Studied at the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia in Rome. Served as a conductor for various orchestras in Europe. Petrassi developed a distinctive musical style that integrated elements of classical traditions with modern compositions. Held a professorship at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory and influenced generations of musicians. Composed several major works, including operas, orchestral pieces, and chamber music.
Continue ReadingWinwaloe
Founder of Landévennec Abbey
Died
March 3rd, 532 1493 years ago — None years old
Established Landévennec Abbey in Brittany, which became a center for monastic life. Played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in the region. Served as the abbot of the abbey and was instrumental in developing its community and spiritual practices.
Continue ReadingAlbert Sabin
Virologist and developer of polio vaccine
Born
August 26th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1993 32 years ago — 86 years old
A Polish-American physician and virologist developed the oral poliovirus vaccine, which became a significant tool in the effort to eradicate poliomyelitis. The vaccine was introduced in the early 1960s and replaced the earlier injected vaccine developed by Jonas Salk. Sabin's work in vaccine development contributed to the dramatic reduction of polio cases worldwide and facilitated mass immunization campaigns. His research also extended into other viral diseases, including mumps and rubella, enriching the field of virology and public health.
Continue ReadingCharles J. Urstadt
Real estate executive and investor
Born
1928 98 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 2020 5 years ago — 92 years old
A real estate executive and investor, contributed significantly to the field of real estate development and management. Served as the president of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc., a real estate investment trust. The organization specialized in retail and commercial properties in the northeastern United States, particularly in New York and Connecticut. Held key roles in investment and acquisition projects that enhanced local economies through property development. Actively participated in various real estate industry organizations and initiatives, promoting investment and sustainable practices in urban development.
Continue ReadingLuis Cubilla
Uruguayan football player and manager
Born
March 28th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 2013 12 years ago — 72 years old
A prominent footballer and manager, made significant contributions to the sport in Uruguay and beyond. During a playing career primarily with Nacional, achieved notable success including winning the Uruguayan Primera División multiple times and the Copa Libertadores in 1971. Transitioned to management and led teams like Peñarol and Deportivo La Coruña, leaving a lasting legacy in South American football. Managed the Paraguayan national team, guiding them to several international tournaments.
Continue Reading