Historical Events tagged with "records"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Michael Phelps surpasses Olympic medal record
Michael Phelps achieved a historic milestone by breaking the record for the most Olympic medals won, previously held by Larisa Latynina. This momentous accomplishment took place during the London 2012 Olympics, where Phelps competed in his signature events. His triumph in the men's 200-meter butterfly added to his total medal count, bringing him to 19 medals. This feat captivated audiences worldwide and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest Olympians of all time.
Continue ReadingIsner vs. Mahut: The Longest Tennis Match
John Isner of the United States defeated Nicolas Mahut of France in a grueling match at Wimbledon that lasted an unprecedented 11 hours and 5 minutes over three days. The second-round encounter showcased the endurance of both players, with Isner eventually winning 6–4, 3–6, 6–7(7–9), 7–6(7–3), 70–68. The match broke numerous tennis records, including the most games played and the most aces served.
Continue ReadingUsain Bolt sets new 100m sprint world record
In 2008 at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York, Usain Bolt recorded a groundbreaking time of 9.72 seconds in the 100m sprint. This performance was notable for being wind-legal with a reading of +1.7 m/s, marking a significant moment in track and field history. Bolt's extraordinary speed showcased his unparalleled talent and solidified his position as one of the greatest sprinters of all time.
Continue ReadingFirst Circumnavigation of Earth by Hot Air Balloon
Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones achieved a historic feat by completing the first successful circumnavigation of the Earth in a hot air balloon. The journey began in Switzerland and spanned several days, covering approximately 26,000 miles, as they navigated through various countries and weather conditions. Their adventure was not merely a test of endurance but an exploration of human capabilities and technology, highlighting the potential of lighter-than-air travel. The duo returned to the ground on March 21, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.
Continue ReadingGretzky Becomes NHL's All-Time Points Leader
Wayne Gretzky surpassed Gordie Howe to become the all-time leading points scorer in NHL history during a game against the Los Angeles Kings. This achievement solidified Gretzky's status as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Playing in front of a home crowd at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California, he scored the record-breaking point with an assist during a goal. This moment captivated fans and marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
Continue ReadingFire at National Personnel Records Center
A significant fire erupted on the sixth floor of the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri, resulting in the complete destruction of records. The cause of the fire was later determined to be an accident linked to a combination of events that led to flammable materials igniting. The fire spread quickly, overwhelming firefighting efforts and leading to extensive loss of vital military and other records associated with the U.S. government. The incident drew attention not only for its impact but also for the challenges it posed in the preservation of valuable historical documents.
Continue ReadingU.S. Federal Copyright Protection for Sound Recordings Established
The U.S. Congress granted federal copyright protection to sound recordings for the first time. This legal change allowed performers and record labels to control their works, limiting unauthorized use and improving compensation for artists. The change was pivotal for the music industry, enabling better management and protection of recorded works. It also addressed evolving technologies and consumer rights.
Continue ReadingJoseph Kittinger's Historic Balloon Jump
Joseph Kittinger ascended to 102,800 feet in a balloon and jumped, breaking records for high-altitude jumps and free falls. This remarkable feat took place over New Mexico and showcased both human courage and technological innovation. Kittinger reached a maximum speed of 614 miles per hour during his descent, demonstrating the extreme conditions faced by parachutists at such heights. His jump was part of Project Excelsior, aimed at developing high-altitude parachute techniques for future astronaut missions.
Continue ReadingGuinness Book of Records makes its debut
The inaugural edition of the Guinness Book of Records was published in Great Britain to settle pub arguments and provide a definitive collection of world records. Compiled by Sir Hugh Beaver, the book quickly gained popularity for its intriguing records and unusual facts, establishing a new genre of literature dedicated to trivia and achievement. It was intended as a promotional giveaway for Guinness beer but became a bestseller in its own right, spawning annual editions that continue to be published today.
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