Tommie Smith

Sprinter; 1968 Olympic gold medalist

Tommie Smith - Sprinter; 1968 Olympic gold medalist
Born

June 6th, 1944
81 years ago

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

United States

Links & References

An accomplished sprinter and football player achieved prominence through a remarkable athletic career. In the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, set a world record in the 200 meters, capturing the gold medal. Alongside John Carlos, performed a raised fist salute during the medal ceremony to protest racial inequality. This powerful gesture became an iconic moment in sports history. Additionally, competed in American football, playing for teams such as the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams.

Won gold medal in the 200 meters at the 1968 Olympics

Set a world record in the 200 meters

Participated in a protest during the medal ceremony

Other People Born on June 6th

Willie John McBride

Rugby player and British Lions captain
Born
June 6th, 1940 85 years ago

A Northern Irish rugby player played lock and captain for the British Lions during five tours from 1962 to 1974. Part of the 1971 Lions team that achieved a notable series win against New Zealand in their homeland. Joined the British Lions on tours to South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, marking significant contributions to the sport during each campaign. Known for leadership on and off the field, was influential in shaping a strong team culture among players. Continued to be involved in rugby after retirement, contributing to coaching and mentorship roles.

Continue Reading

Pape Souaré

Senegalese footballer, played for Crystal Palace
Born
June 6th, 1990 35 years ago

Born in Senegal in 1990, a professional football career began in France. Played for clubs including Lille OSC and AS Monaco. Joined Crystal Palace in 2015, contributing to the team's success in the Premier League. Represented Senegal in international competitions, participating in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Continue Reading

David T. Abercrombie

Businessman, co-founder of Abercrombie & Fitch
Born
June 6th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
August 29th, 1931 94 years ago — 64 years old

Co-founded Abercrombie & Fitch, a retail company specializing in casual wear and outdoor apparel. Established Abercrombie's reputation as a sporting goods retailer in the late 19th century. The company expanded successfully into a popular clothing brand in the United States. Abercrombie was instrumental in shaping the company's early philosophy and vision, focusing on high-quality products and customer experience. Eventually, the brand became widely recognized for its lifestyle-oriented marketing approach.

Continue Reading

Richard Smalley

American chemist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
June 6th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
October 28th, 2005 20 years ago — 62 years old

An American chemist and academic contributed to the discovery of fullerenes, molecules composed entirely of carbon, which resemble spheres, ellipsoids, or tubes. This research led to a groundbreaking development in nanotechnology. In 1996, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with others for his work on carbon structures. Smalley served as a professor at Rice University, where he engaged in various research endeavors related to nanomaterials and molecular engineering.

Continue Reading

Pierre Corneille

French playwright with classic tragedies
Born
June 6th, 1606 419 years ago
Died
October 1st, 1684 341 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent figure in French literature, this playwright contributed significantly to the development of the classical French tragedy. Born in 1606, this individual began his career in the 1630s, and produced works that explored themes of honor, duty, and the complexity of human emotions. Among the celebrated plays are 'Le Cid', which caused considerable controversy over its moral implications, and 'Horace', which reflected the struggle between personal desire and state duty. This playwright's works are characterized by their bold characters and intricate plots, laying the groundwork for the French dramatic tradition.

Continue Reading

Andrea Cesalpino

Italian botanist and physician
Born
June 6th, 1519 506 years ago
Died
February 23rd, 1603 422 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent philosopher and physician, contributed significantly to the field of botany. Established a system of classification for plants that incorporated an analysis of both their form and their functions. Wrote 'De Plantis', which is regarded as one of the first modern botanical texts, laying groundwork for future botanical classification systems. Engaged in empirical observation and experimentation that influenced subsequent scientific inquiry.

Continue Reading