Vasily Alekseyev
Weightlifter and world champion coach
Competed primarily in the super heavyweight category for the Soviet Union. Achieved significant success in the 1970s, setting numerous world records in weightlifting competitions. Claimed gold medals at the World Championships and the Olympic Games. Transitioned to coaching, contributing to the development of future champions in the sport. Continued to influence weightlifting through training methodologies and technique refinement.
Won two Olympic gold medals in 1972 and 1976
Set over 80 world records in weightlifting
Led coaching efforts that resulted in multiple Olympic and World Championship titles
Other People Born on January 7th
Brent Sopel
Ice hockey player, Stanley Cup champion
Born
January 7th, 1977 48 years ago
Professional ice hockey defenseman played in the NHL for teams including the Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders, and Atlanta Thrashers. Achieved prominence as a key player for the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2010 season, contributing to the team's victory in the Stanley Cup. Earned recognition for defensive skills and contributions to team success throughout a career spanning over a decade in the league.
Continue ReadingJoseph Bonaparte
Italian King and older brother of Napoleon
Born
January 7th, 1768 257 years ago
Died
July 28th, 1844 181 years ago — 76 years old
An Italian nobleman, served as King of Naples from 1806 to 1808 and King of Spain from 1808 to 1813 during the Napoleonic Wars. Appointed by his brother Napoleon Bonaparte, implemented several administrative reforms in Spain. After the fall of his reign, lived in exile in various countries including the United States, where he resided for many years.
Continue ReadingWilliam Clarence Matthews
Baseball player and lawyer, coached Red Sox
Born
January 7th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
1928 97 years ago — 51 years old
Born in 1877, this individual played Major League Baseball as a shortstop for the Boston Red Sox. Career spanned from 1901 to 1902. In addition to his athletic career, this person also pursued a profession in law. After leaving professional baseball, this individual contributed to the game as a coach. The combination of athletics and legal expertise marked a unique pathway during a time when few were able to blend sports and law.
Continue ReadingPope Gregory XIII
Pope and reformer of the calendar
Born
January 7th, 1502 523 years ago
Died
1585 440 years ago — 83 years old
Born in 1502, served as pope from 1572 to 1585. Implemented the Gregorian calendar reform in 1582, correcting the Julian calendar's inaccuracies. This reform led to the adoption of a more precise method of calculating leap years, which remains in use today. Promoted the establishment of colleges and seminaries for the education of the clergy. Advocated for the Catholic Counter-Reformation efforts during a significant period of religious upheaval in Europe.
Continue ReadingWayne Routledge
English footballer and player for Swansea City
Born
January 7th, 1985 40 years ago
Played professional football primarily as a winger from 2003 onward. Started career at Crystal Palace, where debut occurred at 18 years old. Had spells at clubs such as Southampton, Queens Park Rangers, and Swansea City. Achieved promotion with both QPR and Swansea City to the Premier League. Contributed to Swansea City's victory in the 2013 League Cup, marking the club's first major trophy. Retired from professional football in 2021.
Continue ReadingAlvin Dark
Baseball player and manager
Born
January 7th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
November 13th, 2014 11 years ago — 92 years old
A professional baseball player and manager, this individual played as a shortstop and later transitioned to managing teams in Major League Baseball. During a playing career that spanned from 1946 to 1960, contributions included time spent with the New York Giants, where a key highlight was winning the National League pennant in 1951. The managerial career featured leadership roles with several teams, including the San Francisco Giants and the Kansas City Athletics. This individual was recognized for skills in both offensive and defensive play, making significant contributions to the teams managed and played for.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 25th
Edward P. Allen
American Captain and Politician
Born
October 28th, 1839 186 years ago
Died
November 25th, 1909 116 years ago — 70 years old
Born in 1839, an American captain and lawyer served in the American Civil War. After the war, held various political positions including representative and state senator in California. Advocated for veterans and contributed to post-war legal reforms. His legal career included work on significant cases involving civil rights and property disputes. Gained recognition for leadership during tumultuous times in U.S. history.
Continue ReadingAlexander Dovzhenko
Soviet director of silent films
Born
September 10th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
November 25th, 1956 69 years ago — 62 years old
A prominent figure in Soviet cinema, this screenwriter, producer, and director played a crucial role in the development of Ukrainian film. His works highlighted the spiritual and cultural aspects of Ukrainian life, blending avant-garde techniques with rich narrative structures. Notable films include 'Earth' (1930), which focused on the theme of collectivization in agriculture, and 'Arsenal' (1929), depicting the events of the 1917 revolution. Dovzhenko's unique style bridged documentary realism and poetic expression, significantly influencing the art of filmmaking in the Soviet Union.
Continue ReadingHugh Alexander
Baseball player and scout for the MLB
Born
July 10th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
November 25th, 2000 25 years ago — 83 years old
Played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) for teams including the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds. Transitioned to a successful career as a scout after retiring from playing. Contributed to talent identification and recruitment for various teams in the MLB, leveraging extensive knowledge of the game to refine player development strategies.
Continue ReadingPhyllis Fraser
Actress and co-founder of Beginner Books
Born
April 13th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
November 25th, 2006 19 years ago — 90 years old
Welsh-American actress, journalist, and publisher co-founded Beginner Books, a children's book publishing company. Played a significant role in developing innovative children's literature. Contributed to various publications as a journalist and engaged in efforts to promote literacy through entertaining and educational storytelling. Collaborated with notable authors and illustrators, enhancing the children's book landscape.
Continue ReadingHarold Washington
Politician, 51st Mayor of Chicago
Born
April 15th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
November 25th, 1987 38 years ago — 65 years old
Served as the 51st Mayor of Chicago from 1983 until death in 1987. First African American to hold the office. Prior to mayorship, held various roles in the Illinois legislature and served in the U.S. House of Representatives. Implemented significant changes in city government and promoted inclusive policies. Became a prominent figure in Chicago politics, particularly in the context of civil rights and community empowerment.
Continue ReadingC. Scott Littleton
Anthropologist and academic
Born
July 1st, 1933 92 years ago
Died
November 25th, 2010 15 years ago — 77 years old
An American anthropologist focused on the study of anthropology, Littleton contributed extensively to the understanding of mythology and folklore. His work frequently explored the relationships between mythology and cultural practices. Littleton served as a professor at California State University, Dominguez Hills, where he taught various courses related to anthropology and archaeology. He held a notable position within the American Anthropological Association and published several influential works in the field, particularly on the subject of comparative mythology.
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