What Happened This Year 2019

People Who Died in 2019

Karim Olowu

Nigerian sprinter and long jumper
Born
July 7th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2019 7 years ago — 95 years old

Competed as a sprinter and long jumper representing Nigeria. Participated in the 1948 London Olympics, competing in the long jump event. Achieved significant acclaim in national competitions and contributed to the development of athletics in Nigeria during the post-colonial period.

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Altair Gomes de Figueiredo

Brazilian footballer and World Cup champion
Born
January 22nd, 1938 88 years ago
Died
2019 7 years ago — 81 years old

A Brazilian footballer, celebrated for contributions to the sport as a defender. Played for the São Paulo club and represented Brazil in international competitions. Instrumental in Brazil's victory at the 1962 FIFA World Cup in Chile, showcasing exceptional defensive skills and teamwork. Career included stints in other clubs, further highlighting consistent performance throughout the footballing years.

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Can Bartu

Footballer and basketball player
Born
January 31st, 1936 90 years ago
Died
2019 7 years ago — 83 years old

Gained recognition as a prominent dual-sport athlete in Turkey. Played professional football primarily for Fenerbahçe SK, contributing to multiple league titles. Transitioned to basketball, becoming an essential player for the Turkish national team. Achieved notable success in both sports, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, becoming a significant figure in Turkish sports history.

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Yukiya Amano

Japanese diplomat and IAEA Director General
Born
May 9th, 1947 79 years ago
Died
2019 7 years ago — 72 years old

Served as the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency from 2009 until 2019. Previously, held various diplomatic roles within the Japanese government, contributing to international nuclear non-proliferation efforts. Worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan and contributed to the formulation of national policies on nuclear energy and security. During leadership at the IAEA, emphasized transparency and cooperation among member states, navigating complex international issues concerning nuclear safety and security.

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Yvette Williams

New Zealand long jumper and Olympian
Born
April 25th, 1929 97 years ago
Died
2019 7 years ago — 90 years old

A prominent athlete achieved significant success in track and field, particularly in long jump, shot put, and discus throw. Competed in the 1950 British Empire Games, winning gold in long jump. Represented New Zealand at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, securing a gold medal in long jump, marking the first Olympic gold for the country in this event. Had a successful career in various athletic disciplines, contributing to the growth of women's athletics in New Zealand.

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Nikolai Kardashev

Astrophysicist and scale creator
Born
April 25th, 1932 94 years ago
Died
2019 7 years ago — 87 years old

Contributions to astrophysics focused on the classification of civilizations based on their energy consumption led to the creation of the Kardashev Scale. This scale categorizes civilizations into Type I, II, and III based on their ability to harness energy from their home planet, star, and galaxy, respectively. Worked at the Institute of Space Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Engaged in studies related to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and the structure of the universe. Published extensively on cosmology and a variety of scientific subjects, influencing both academic circles and the popular understanding of advanced civilizations.

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Vladimir Bukovsky

Russian author and political activist
Born
December 30th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
2019 7 years ago — 77 years old

An author and activist, dedicated to fighting against totalitarianism and advocating for human rights in the Soviet Union. Spent years in psychiatric hospitals and prisons due to opposition to the regime. Emigrated to the West in 1976, continuing to critique Soviet policies. Wrote several works highlighting the repressive nature of the Soviet system and advocating for democracy. Engaged with the international community, raising awareness about political prisoners and suppression in the USSR.

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David Hurst

German actor in film and television
Born
May 8th, 1926 100 years ago
Died
2019 7 years ago — 93 years old

An actor with a prominent career in film and television, often recognized for work during the mid-20th century. Significant appearances included roles in films such as 'The Counterfeiters' and 'The Damned,' along with a number of television series. Established a reputation within the German entertainment industry, contributing to various productions that highlighted dramatic storytelling.

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Hussain Muhammad Ershad

Bangladeshi general and politician
Born
February 1st, 1930 96 years ago
Died
2019 7 years ago — 89 years old

Served as the 10th President of Bangladesh from 1983 to 1990. Initially joined the military, rising to the rank of general. Led a military coup in 1982, which brought about a period of martial law. Introduced various reforms during presidency, focusing on infrastructure and health. After losing power, faced legal challenges and controversies regarding past governance, as well as a long-standing influence in Bangladeshi politics.

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