What Happened This Year 1981

Born in 1981

James Shields

Baseball pitcher; World Series participant
Born
December 20th, 1981 43 years ago

Played as a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2006 to 2018. Teams included the Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, and San Diego Padres. Achieved significant success with the Rays, reaching the World Series in 2008 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Awarded the 2011 All-Star selection while with the Rays. Recorded over 1,800 strikeouts during MLB career, establishing a reputation as a reliable starter.

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Marta Fernández

Spanish basketball player and Olympian
Born
December 21st, 1981 43 years ago

A professional basketball player from Spain made significant contributions to women's basketball during a career spanning multiple years. Played for the national team and participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Competed in top leagues including Liga Femenina and gained recognition for outstanding performance on the court. Played for notable clubs like Ros Casares Valencia, contributing to multiple championship victories.

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Mario Santana

Argentine footballer, played for Boca Juniors
Born
December 23rd, 1981 43 years ago

Born on December 23, 1981, an Argentine footballer played primarily as a midfielder. Developed skills at Boca Juniors, debuting in 2001. Achieved considerable success, contributing to the team's victory in the 2004 Copa Libertadores. Later played for teams such as Estudiantes and Gimnasia, showcasing resilience and adaptability on the pitch. Transitioned to the international level, representing Argentina in various youth categories. Competed in several domestic leagues and became recognized for technical abilities and tactical awareness.

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Agnes Milowka

Diving explorer, author, and photographer
Born
December 23rd, 1981 43 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 30 years old

Born in Poland and later residing in Australia, this individual specialized in cave diving and underwater photography. Significant contributions to the exploration of underwater caves were made, with a strong focus on documenting these environments through high-quality photography. Authoring several works on diving techniques and cave environments further showcased expertise in the field. In addition to diving, extensive efforts in promoting safety and awareness regarding cave diving were undertaken, particularly regarding the hazards involved.

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Yuriorkis Gamboa

Cuban professional boxer and champion
Born
December 23rd, 1981 43 years ago

Born in Cuba in 1981, a professional boxer achieved notable success in the featherweight and lightweight divisions. Gamboa held multiple world titles, including the WBA (Super) and IBF world titles in the featherweight category. He represented Cuba in the 2004 Summer Olympics, securing a gold medal in the lightweight division. After turning professional in 2006, Gamboa quickly gained recognition for his speed and power, culminating in his reign as a unified champion.

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Maritza Correia

Swimmer and Olympic athlete
Born
December 23rd, 1981 43 years ago

A Puerto Rican-American swimmer specialized in freestyle and butterfly events. Competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, representing the United States. Achieved a historic milestone by being the first Puerto Rican woman to qualify for the Olympics in swimming. Held multiple records in collegiate swimming while attending the University of Georgia, showcasing exceptional performance and speed in the pool.

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Dima Bilan

Russian singer-songwriter and actor, Eurovision winner
Born
December 24th, 1981 43 years ago

Born in Russia, this individual gained popularity as a singer-songwriter and actor. Gained significant fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008 with the song "Believe." Career included various music albums and performances across Europe, showcasing a blend of pop and contemporary music. Also appeared in Russian films and television series, enhancing visibility in the entertainment industry.

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Willy Taveras

Baseball player and outfielder
Born
December 25th, 1981 43 years ago

A professional baseball player developed a career as an outfielder in Major League Baseball. Debuted in 2004 with the Colorado Rockies. Played with several teams including the Houston Astros and Cincinnati Reds. Achieved a career batting average of .281 and led the National League in stolen bases in 2006.

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Trenesha Biggers

Professional wrestler and model
Born
December 25th, 1981 43 years ago

Competed in professional wrestling under the ring name Rhaka Khan. Made appearances in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and was part of the TNA women's division. Pursued a career in modeling alongside wrestling, participating in various promotional events and modeling opportunities. Engaged in wrestling training to develop skills in the ring and gain experience in matches. Transitioned to a role as a manager for other wrestlers, combining skills in performance and promotion in the wrestling industry.

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