What Happened This Year 1981
Born in 1981
Lovro Zovko
Competed in professional tennis during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Achieved a highest singles ranking of No. 106 in the world. Participated in Grand Slam tournaments, including the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Represented Croatia in the Davis Cup.
Continue ReadingTom Starke
A former German football goalkeeper played professionally for several clubs, including FC Schalke 04 and Bayern Munich. Achieved significant success in the Bundesliga and garnered a reputation for strong defensive skills. Concluded a notable career in 2017 after serving primarily as a backup goalkeeper at Bayern Munich, contributing to the team's multiple league titles and domestic cup successes.
Continue ReadingSteve Cummings
A professional cyclist from England, achieved significant success in road racing. Competed for various teams including Team Sky and BMC Racing. Won multiple stages in prestigious races. Secured victories in the Tour of Britain and Tour of California, showcasing competitive prowess in international cycling events.
Continue ReadingKolo Touré
Played as a defender, primarily in the English Premier League. Spent significant time at Arsenal, winning two FA Cups and the Premier League title in the 2003-2004 season during an unbeaten campaign. Transferred to Manchester City, contributing to their FA Cup victory in 2011 and the Premier League title in 2012. Played internationally for the Ivory Coast, participating in three FIFA World Cups and winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015. Transitioned into coaching after retirement, taking on an assistant manager role at the Scottish club Celtic.
Continue ReadingSébastien Chavanel
Rode for teams including La Française des Jeux and Bbox Bouygues Telecom. Competed in various prestigious races, such as the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. Achieved multiple victories in one-day races and stage finishes throughout professional career, contributing to team successes in national and international competitions.
Continue ReadingArne Gabius
Competed in long-distance running, specializing in the marathon. Set a personal best in the marathon with a time of 2:08:33 at the 2015 Frankfurt Marathon, establishing a national record for Germany. Participated in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, representing Germany in the marathon event. Regularly competed in various national and international events throughout the career.
Continue ReadingShelley Rudman
A bobsledder represented England in international competitions. Achieved a significant milestone by securing a silver medal in the women's skeleton event at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. Competed in various World Cup events and consistently performed well, contributing to the sport's visibility in England. Transitioned from skeleton to bobsleigh later in her career and continued to participate in the sport at high levels.
Continue ReadingPavel Brendl
Accomplished in ice hockey, a Czech athlete was drafted 4th overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers. Played in the NHL primarily with the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers. Competed in the Czech Extraliga before transitioning to the NHL, showcasing notable skills as a forward. Also represented the Czech Republic in international tournaments, including the World Junior Championships.
Continue ReadingErin Crocker
Participated in professional vehicle racing, primarily in the ARCA RE/MAX Series and NASCAR. Achieved significant milestones, becoming one of the first female drivers to race for a prominent team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Competed in various events showcasing skill and determination within a male-dominated sport, contributing to the growing presence of women in racing. Retired from full-time competition but remains active in motorsports as a commentator and analyst.
Continue Reading