1956
Ahmed Salah Hussein, Djibouti, long-distance runner. When Ahmed Salah took third place in the 1988 (Seoul) Olympic Games marathon (2:10:59), his bronze medal was the first Olympic medal won by a Djiboutian in any sport. Salah had already had success as a marathoner, placing second in the 1987 (Rome) World Championships marathon (2:12:30), and having run an impressive 2:07:07 in the 1988 Rotterdam Marathon. Later Salah won a silver medal in the 1991 (Tokyo) World Championships marathon (2:15:26).
Showing posts with label December. Show all posts
Showing posts with label December. Show all posts
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
December 30 Birthdays
1949
David Bedford, Great Britain, distance runner. On 13 July 1973 David Bedford set a world record in the men's 10,000m, running 29:30.80. Bedford also held the British records for 5,000m and the 3,000m steeplechase. He represented the UK in the 1972 (Munich) Olympic Games, finishing 12th in the 5,000m (13:43.2) and 6th in the 10,000m.
David Bedford, Great Britain, distance runner. On 13 July 1973 David Bedford set a world record in the men's 10,000m, running 29:30.80. Bedford also held the British records for 5,000m and the 3,000m steeplechase. He represented the UK in the 1972 (Munich) Olympic Games, finishing 12th in the 5,000m (13:43.2) and 6th in the 10,000m.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
December 29 Birthdays
1976
Timothy Cherigat, Kenya, long distance. In 2004 Timothy Cherigat won the 108th Boston Marathon, running 2:10:37.
John Ekiru Kelai, Kenya, long distance. John Kelai won the 2010 (New Delhi) Commonwealth Games marathon in 2:14:35. His major marathon wins include Singapore (2003), Brussels (2004), Enschede (2005, 2010), Mumbai (2007, 2008), and Toronto (2007).
1978
Angelo Taylor, United States, sprints/hurdles. Angelo Taylor represented the United States in three straight Olympic Games, winning gold in the 400m hurdles in 2000 (Sydney) and 2008 (Beijing). Taylor was also on the United States team at the World Championships in 1999, 2001, 2007, and 2009. In the 2007 (Osaka) World Championships he was the bronze medalist in the men's 400m hurdles.
Timothy Cherigat, Kenya, long distance. In 2004 Timothy Cherigat won the 108th Boston Marathon, running 2:10:37.
John Ekiru Kelai, Kenya, long distance. John Kelai won the 2010 (New Delhi) Commonwealth Games marathon in 2:14:35. His major marathon wins include Singapore (2003), Brussels (2004), Enschede (2005, 2010), Mumbai (2007, 2008), and Toronto (2007).
1978
Angelo Taylor, United States, sprints/hurdles. Angelo Taylor represented the United States in three straight Olympic Games, winning gold in the 400m hurdles in 2000 (Sydney) and 2008 (Beijing). Taylor was also on the United States team at the World Championships in 1999, 2001, 2007, and 2009. In the 2007 (Osaka) World Championships he was the bronze medalist in the men's 400m hurdles.
Monday, December 28, 2009
December 28 Birthdays
1959
Hansjörg Kunze, East Germany, distance. Kunze had an unspectacular start to his Olympic career, eliminated in the semi-final round of the men's 5,000m at the 1980 (Moscow) Games. East Germany boycotted the 1984 (Los Angeles) Olympics, but Kunze was back on the East German team in 1988 (Seoul), where he won the bronze medal in the men's 5,000m (13:15.73) and placed sixth in the men's 10,000m (27:39.35). Kunze wasn't idle between those two games, winning bronze medals in the men's 10,000m at the World Championships in 1983 (Helsinki) and 1987 (Rome), running 28:01.26 and 27:50.37.
1962
Abdi Bile, Somalia, middle distance. Bile was the gold medalist in the men's 1,500m at the 1987 (Rome) World Championships. He represented Somalia twice in the Olympic Games, in 1984 (Los Angeles) and in 1996 (Atlanta). In the latter games he placed sixth in the men's 1,500m. A graduate of George Mason University, Bile was the NCAA Division I men's outdoor 1,500m champion in 1985 (3:41.2) and again in 1987 (3:35.79).
1977
Derrick Brew, United States, sprints. Brew won the bronze medal in the men's 400m at the 2004 (Athens) Olympic Games, running 44.42. Brew's finish completed a United States sweep of the event--the gold medal went to U.S. sprinter Jeremy Wariner (44.01) and the silver to Otis Harris (44.16). It's not surprising, then, that the United States also won the men's 4 x 400m relay; Brew ran on that gold medal team in the final.
Hansjörg Kunze, East Germany, distance. Kunze had an unspectacular start to his Olympic career, eliminated in the semi-final round of the men's 5,000m at the 1980 (Moscow) Games. East Germany boycotted the 1984 (Los Angeles) Olympics, but Kunze was back on the East German team in 1988 (Seoul), where he won the bronze medal in the men's 5,000m (13:15.73) and placed sixth in the men's 10,000m (27:39.35). Kunze wasn't idle between those two games, winning bronze medals in the men's 10,000m at the World Championships in 1983 (Helsinki) and 1987 (Rome), running 28:01.26 and 27:50.37.
1962
Abdi Bile, Somalia, middle distance. Bile was the gold medalist in the men's 1,500m at the 1987 (Rome) World Championships. He represented Somalia twice in the Olympic Games, in 1984 (Los Angeles) and in 1996 (Atlanta). In the latter games he placed sixth in the men's 1,500m. A graduate of George Mason University, Bile was the NCAA Division I men's outdoor 1,500m champion in 1985 (3:41.2) and again in 1987 (3:35.79).
1977
Derrick Brew, United States, sprints. Brew won the bronze medal in the men's 400m at the 2004 (Athens) Olympic Games, running 44.42. Brew's finish completed a United States sweep of the event--the gold medal went to U.S. sprinter Jeremy Wariner (44.01) and the silver to Otis Harris (44.16). It's not surprising, then, that the United States also won the men's 4 x 400m relay; Brew ran on that gold medal team in the final.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
December 27 Birthdays
1925
Heinrich Otto Ulzheimer, Germany, middle distance. Heinz Ulzheimer finished third in the men's 800m at the 1952 (Helsinki) Olympic Games, running 1:49.7 behind Mal Whitfield (1st, 1:49.2) of the United States and Arthur Wint (2nd, 1:49.4) of Jamaica. Ulzheimer's bronze medal in that event was Germany's first Olympic medal since the end of World War II. In the same Games, Ulzheimer also ran third leg on Germany's bronze medal 4 x 400m relay team.
1956
Doina Melinte, Romania, middle distance. Melinte achieved an impressive double at the 1984 (Los Angeles) Olympic Games, winning a gold medal in the women's 800m (1:57.60) and a silver medal in the women's 1,500m (4:03.76). At the 1987 (Rome) World Championships Melinte won the bronze medal in the women's 1,500m, running 3:59.27 behind Russia's Tatyana Dorovskikh (1st, 3:58.56) and East Germany's Hildegard Körner (2nd, 3:58.67).
1976
Daimí Pernía, Cuba, 400m hurdles. Daimí Pernía ran her career-best 400m hurdles race at the 1999 (Seville) World Championships, winning the women's race with a world-leading time of 52.89. Running for Cuba in the 2000 () Olympic Games, Pernía placed fourth in the women's 400m hurdles (53.68). Pernía returned to the World Championships in 2001 (Edmonton), where she won a bronze medal in the women's 400m hurdles, running 54.51.
1986
Shelly-Ann Fraser, Jamaica, sprints. In 2008, Fraser ran 11.00 seconds to win the (Beijing) Olympic gold medal in the women's 100m dash. In 2009, Fraser ran 10.73 to win the women's 100m at the (Berlin) World Championships. In 2010, Fraser was suspended from competition after testing positive for a banned substance.
Heinrich Otto Ulzheimer, Germany, middle distance. Heinz Ulzheimer finished third in the men's 800m at the 1952 (Helsinki) Olympic Games, running 1:49.7 behind Mal Whitfield (1st, 1:49.2) of the United States and Arthur Wint (2nd, 1:49.4) of Jamaica. Ulzheimer's bronze medal in that event was Germany's first Olympic medal since the end of World War II. In the same Games, Ulzheimer also ran third leg on Germany's bronze medal 4 x 400m relay team.
1956
Doina Melinte, Romania, middle distance. Melinte achieved an impressive double at the 1984 (Los Angeles) Olympic Games, winning a gold medal in the women's 800m (1:57.60) and a silver medal in the women's 1,500m (4:03.76). At the 1987 (Rome) World Championships Melinte won the bronze medal in the women's 1,500m, running 3:59.27 behind Russia's Tatyana Dorovskikh (1st, 3:58.56) and East Germany's Hildegard Körner (2nd, 3:58.67).
1976
Daimí Pernía, Cuba, 400m hurdles. Daimí Pernía ran her career-best 400m hurdles race at the 1999 (Seville) World Championships, winning the women's race with a world-leading time of 52.89. Running for Cuba in the 2000 () Olympic Games, Pernía placed fourth in the women's 400m hurdles (53.68). Pernía returned to the World Championships in 2001 (Edmonton), where she won a bronze medal in the women's 400m hurdles, running 54.51.
1986
Shelly-Ann Fraser, Jamaica, sprints. In 2008, Fraser ran 11.00 seconds to win the (Beijing) Olympic gold medal in the women's 100m dash. In 2009, Fraser ran 10.73 to win the women's 100m at the (Berlin) World Championships. In 2010, Fraser was suspended from competition after testing positive for a banned substance.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
December 26 Birthdays
1941
Michael Robert "Mike" Ryan, New Zealand (born in Scotland), long-distance runner. Mike Ryan's accomplishments in the marathon include a bronze medal at the 1966 (Jamaica) Commonwealth Games (2:27:59), winning the 1966 Asahi Marathon in Fukuoka (2:14:04.6), and a bronze medal in the 1968 (Mexico City) Olympic Games (2:23:45.0).
Michael Robert "Mike" Ryan, New Zealand (born in Scotland), long-distance runner. Mike Ryan's accomplishments in the marathon include a bronze medal at the 1966 (Jamaica) Commonwealth Games (2:27:59), winning the 1966 Asahi Marathon in Fukuoka (2:14:04.6), and a bronze medal in the 1968 (Mexico City) Olympic Games (2:23:45.0).
Friday, December 25, 2009
December 25 Birthdays
1933
Benjamin Basil Heatley, Great Britain, long-distance runner. After finishing runner-up in the 1957 International Cross-Country Championships, Basil Heatley won the title in 1961, the same year he set a world-best of 47:47 for ten miles. In 1964 he set a world best of 2:13:55 in the marathon, making him one of the favorites in the (Tokyo) Olympic Games marathon that year. The great Abebe Bikila won the gold medal in that race, but Heatley outkicked Kokichi Subaraya of Japan to win the silver, running 2:16:19.2.
1953
Kaarlo Hannes Maaninka, Finland, distance runner. Maaninka won the silver medal in the 1980 (Moscow) Olympic Games 10,000m (27:44.28) and bronze medal at the same Games in the 5,000m (13:22.00).
Benjamin Basil Heatley, Great Britain, long-distance runner. After finishing runner-up in the 1957 International Cross-Country Championships, Basil Heatley won the title in 1961, the same year he set a world-best of 47:47 for ten miles. In 1964 he set a world best of 2:13:55 in the marathon, making him one of the favorites in the (Tokyo) Olympic Games marathon that year. The great Abebe Bikila won the gold medal in that race, but Heatley outkicked Kokichi Subaraya of Japan to win the silver, running 2:16:19.2.
1953
Kaarlo Hannes Maaninka, Finland, distance runner. Maaninka won the silver medal in the 1980 (Moscow) Olympic Games 10,000m (27:44.28) and bronze medal at the same Games in the 5,000m (13:22.00).
Thursday, December 24, 2009
December 24 Birthdays
1897
Frans Wilhelm Pörhölä, Finland, throws. If it was heavy, Ville Pörhölä threw it. He won the gold medal in the men's shot put (14.81m) 1920 (Antwerp) Olympic Games, where he also competed in the discus and the weight throw. After a hiatus from athletics, he returned to Olympic competition in 1932 (Los Angeles) in the men's hammer throw, where he won a silver medal with a toss of 52.27 behind Ireland's Pat O'Callaghan (53.92m). Pörhölä passed away on 28 November 1964.
1930
John Joseph Kelley, United States, long distance. After World War II, the Boston Marathon became a truly international race, so much so that after 1945 no American won the race until 1957 when John J. Kelley blazed to a course record win of 2:20:05 at the 62nd running of the race. Kelley went on to win a gold medal in the 1959 (Chicago) Pan American Games marathon. He also competed in the Olympics as part of the U.S. marathon team in 1956 (Melbourne), 1960 (Rome), and 1964 (Tokyo).
1940
William Frederick Crothers, Canada, middle distance. Bill Crothers won the silver medal in the men's 800m run at the 1964 (Tokyo) Olympic Games, running 1:45.6 behind the great Peter Snell, who won with an Olympic record time of 1:45.1. Crothers was the world record holder in the indoor 800m, and at one time held every Canadian record from 400m to 1500m.
1984
Wallace Spearmon, United States, sprints. Spearmon was a 200m specialist. In the men's 200m at the World Championships, Spearmon won a silver medal in 2005 (Helsinki), a bronze medal in 2007 (Osaka), and a bronze medal in 2009 (Berlin). He was less successful in Olympic competition, disqualified for running out of his lane in the 200m final in 2008 (Beijing).
Frans Wilhelm Pörhölä, Finland, throws. If it was heavy, Ville Pörhölä threw it. He won the gold medal in the men's shot put (14.81m) 1920 (Antwerp) Olympic Games, where he also competed in the discus and the weight throw. After a hiatus from athletics, he returned to Olympic competition in 1932 (Los Angeles) in the men's hammer throw, where he won a silver medal with a toss of 52.27 behind Ireland's Pat O'Callaghan (53.92m). Pörhölä passed away on 28 November 1964.
1930
John Joseph Kelley, United States, long distance. After World War II, the Boston Marathon became a truly international race, so much so that after 1945 no American won the race until 1957 when John J. Kelley blazed to a course record win of 2:20:05 at the 62nd running of the race. Kelley went on to win a gold medal in the 1959 (Chicago) Pan American Games marathon. He also competed in the Olympics as part of the U.S. marathon team in 1956 (Melbourne), 1960 (Rome), and 1964 (Tokyo).
1940
William Frederick Crothers, Canada, middle distance. Bill Crothers won the silver medal in the men's 800m run at the 1964 (Tokyo) Olympic Games, running 1:45.6 behind the great Peter Snell, who won with an Olympic record time of 1:45.1. Crothers was the world record holder in the indoor 800m, and at one time held every Canadian record from 400m to 1500m.
1984
Wallace Spearmon, United States, sprints. Spearmon was a 200m specialist. In the men's 200m at the World Championships, Spearmon won a silver medal in 2005 (Helsinki), a bronze medal in 2007 (Osaka), and a bronze medal in 2009 (Berlin). He was less successful in Olympic competition, disqualified for running out of his lane in the 200m final in 2008 (Beijing).
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
December 23 Birthdays
1947
William Henry Rodgers, United States, long-distance runner. In 1975 Bill Rodgers first served notice on the international stage by winning the bronze medal at the IAAF World Cross-Country Championships. Less than a month later he won the Boston Marathon in an American-record time of 2:09:55. It would be the first of four Boston titles for Rodgers, who also won in 1978, 1979, and 1980, setting another American record (2:09:27) in the 1979 race. Rodgers also won the Fukuoka marathon in 1977 (2:10:55), during the era that race was considered the unofficial world championship for the marathon. He was on the United States marathon team in the 1976 (Montreal) Olympic Games and won four straight New York City Marathons from 1976 to 1979. His running memoir, Marathoning, is certainly worth a read.
William Henry Rodgers, United States, long-distance runner. In 1975 Bill Rodgers first served notice on the international stage by winning the bronze medal at the IAAF World Cross-Country Championships. Less than a month later he won the Boston Marathon in an American-record time of 2:09:55. It would be the first of four Boston titles for Rodgers, who also won in 1978, 1979, and 1980, setting another American record (2:09:27) in the 1979 race. Rodgers also won the Fukuoka marathon in 1977 (2:10:55), during the era that race was considered the unofficial world championship for the marathon. He was on the United States marathon team in the 1976 (Montreal) Olympic Games and won four straight New York City Marathons from 1976 to 1979. His running memoir, Marathoning, is certainly worth a read.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
December 22 Birthdays
1931
Gisela Birkemeyer (nee Köhler), Germany, hurdles. Running 10.9, Gisela Köhler was the silver medalist in the women's 80m hurdles at the 1956 (Melbourne) Olympics, finishing 0.2 seconds behind Australia's Shirley Strickland de la Hunty. Back in Olympic competition in 1960 (Rome), Köhler won bronze in the 80m hurdles with a 11.13.
1948
Don Kardong, United States, long distance. Don Kardong finished fourth at the 1976 (Montréal) Olympic marathon in 2:11:15, competing on a U.S. Olympic marathon team that included Frank Shorter (2nd, 2:10:45) and Bill Rodgers (40th, 2:25:14). Kardong won the prestigious Peachtree Road Race in 1976 and the Honolulu Marathon in 1978. Founding the Association of Road Racing Athletes, Kardong set out to replace the remnants of the amateur system in road racing with a more realistic professionalism. Kardong also served as president of the Road Runners Club of America from 1996 to 2000 and has written extensively about running, signing my copy of his book Thirty Phone Booths to Boston.
1971
Khalid Yusuf Abdurahman Khannouchi, United States, long distance. Born in Morocco where he began his athletic career, Khalid Khannouchi moved to the United States in 1992 and became a U.S. citizen in 2000. Khannouchi set a world record in the marathon of 2:05:42 at Chicago in 1999, and lowered the record to 2:05:38 at London in 2002. He is a four-time winner of the Chicago Marathon and a two-time winner of Atlanta's Peachtree Road Race.
1981
Marina Kuptsova, Russia, high jump. In the women's high jump at the 2003 (Paris) World Championships, Marina Kuptsova placed second behind South Africa's Hestrie Cloete (2.06m), leaping 2.00m for the silver medal.
Gisela Birkemeyer (nee Köhler), Germany, hurdles. Running 10.9, Gisela Köhler was the silver medalist in the women's 80m hurdles at the 1956 (Melbourne) Olympics, finishing 0.2 seconds behind Australia's Shirley Strickland de la Hunty. Back in Olympic competition in 1960 (Rome), Köhler won bronze in the 80m hurdles with a 11.13.
1948
Don Kardong, United States, long distance. Don Kardong finished fourth at the 1976 (Montréal) Olympic marathon in 2:11:15, competing on a U.S. Olympic marathon team that included Frank Shorter (2nd, 2:10:45) and Bill Rodgers (40th, 2:25:14). Kardong won the prestigious Peachtree Road Race in 1976 and the Honolulu Marathon in 1978. Founding the Association of Road Racing Athletes, Kardong set out to replace the remnants of the amateur system in road racing with a more realistic professionalism. Kardong also served as president of the Road Runners Club of America from 1996 to 2000 and has written extensively about running, signing my copy of his book Thirty Phone Booths to Boston.
1971
Khalid Yusuf Abdurahman Khannouchi, United States, long distance. Born in Morocco where he began his athletic career, Khalid Khannouchi moved to the United States in 1992 and became a U.S. citizen in 2000. Khannouchi set a world record in the marathon of 2:05:42 at Chicago in 1999, and lowered the record to 2:05:38 at London in 2002. He is a four-time winner of the Chicago Marathon and a two-time winner of Atlanta's Peachtree Road Race.
1981
Marina Kuptsova, Russia, high jump. In the women's high jump at the 2003 (Paris) World Championships, Marina Kuptsova placed second behind South Africa's Hestrie Cloete (2.06m), leaping 2.00m for the silver medal.
Monday, December 21, 2009
December 21 Birthdays
1958
Tamara Vladimirovna Bykova, Soviet Union, high jump. Bykova first competed on the world stage at the 1980 (Moscow) Olympics, where she was ninth in the women's high jump, clearing 1.88m. At the 1983 (Helsinki) world championships Bykova jumped 2.01m, earning the gold medal. Bykova was also a silver medalist in the high jump at the 1987 (Rome) World Championships (2.04m) and a bronze medalist at the 1988 (Seoul) Olympic Games (1.99m). During her career she set three world records in the women's high jump, 2.03m (on 21 August 1983), 2.04m (on 25 August 1983), and 2.05m (on 22 June 1984). In 1990 she was suspended for the use of ephedrine, a performance-enhancing drug.
1959
Florence ("Flo-Jo") Griffith-Joyner, United States, sprinter. Florence Delorez Griffith won a silver medal at the 1984 (Los Angeles) Olympic Games, running 22.04 in the 200m behind Valerie Brisco-Hooks (21.81) of the United States. After marrying Al Joyner in 1987, Griffith-Joyner returned to the Olympics in 1988 (Seoul) where she won gold medals in the 100m (10.54) and 200m (21.34). Her time in the 200m final established a new world record. "Flo-Jo's" best 100m time of 10.49 is also a world record. Florence Griffith-Joyner died suddenly at the age of 38 on 21 September 1998.
1976
Mirela Manjani, Greece, javelin throw. Manjani was born in Albania but became a Greek citizen in 1997, and her greatest accomplishments in athletics were when she represented Greece. Among these were a gold medal in the women's javelin throw (67.09m) at the 1999 (Seville) World Championships, a silver medal in the javelin (67.51m) at the 2000 (Sydney) Olympics, a gold medal in the javelin (66.52m) at the 2003 (Paris) World Championships, and a bronze medal in the javelin (64.29m) at the 2004 (Athens) Olympics.
1980
John Moffitt, United States, long jump. Moffitt's career year was 2004, when he won the men's long jump at both the NCAA indoor and outdoor championships, and went on to leap 8.47m for the silver medal at the (Athens) Olympic Games--12cm short of the winning 8.59m jump of Mike Powell of the United States.
Tamara Vladimirovna Bykova, Soviet Union, high jump. Bykova first competed on the world stage at the 1980 (Moscow) Olympics, where she was ninth in the women's high jump, clearing 1.88m. At the 1983 (Helsinki) world championships Bykova jumped 2.01m, earning the gold medal. Bykova was also a silver medalist in the high jump at the 1987 (Rome) World Championships (2.04m) and a bronze medalist at the 1988 (Seoul) Olympic Games (1.99m). During her career she set three world records in the women's high jump, 2.03m (on 21 August 1983), 2.04m (on 25 August 1983), and 2.05m (on 22 June 1984). In 1990 she was suspended for the use of ephedrine, a performance-enhancing drug.
1959
Florence ("Flo-Jo") Griffith-Joyner, United States, sprinter. Florence Delorez Griffith won a silver medal at the 1984 (Los Angeles) Olympic Games, running 22.04 in the 200m behind Valerie Brisco-Hooks (21.81) of the United States. After marrying Al Joyner in 1987, Griffith-Joyner returned to the Olympics in 1988 (Seoul) where she won gold medals in the 100m (10.54) and 200m (21.34). Her time in the 200m final established a new world record. "Flo-Jo's" best 100m time of 10.49 is also a world record. Florence Griffith-Joyner died suddenly at the age of 38 on 21 September 1998.
1976
Mirela Manjani, Greece, javelin throw. Manjani was born in Albania but became a Greek citizen in 1997, and her greatest accomplishments in athletics were when she represented Greece. Among these were a gold medal in the women's javelin throw (67.09m) at the 1999 (Seville) World Championships, a silver medal in the javelin (67.51m) at the 2000 (Sydney) Olympics, a gold medal in the javelin (66.52m) at the 2003 (Paris) World Championships, and a bronze medal in the javelin (64.29m) at the 2004 (Athens) Olympics.
1980
John Moffitt, United States, long jump. Moffitt's career year was 2004, when he won the men's long jump at both the NCAA indoor and outdoor championships, and went on to leap 8.47m for the silver medal at the (Athens) Olympic Games--12cm short of the winning 8.59m jump of Mike Powell of the United States.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
December 20 Birthdays
1942
Robert Lee Hayes, United States, sprints. Bob Hayes was born in Jacksonville, Florida, where he ran track and played football for Gilbert High School. Upon graduation he entered Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. During his years at FAMU he established himself as a world class sprinter, setting world records in the indoor 60y dash of 5.9 and in the outdoor 100y dash of 9.1. Representing the United States in the 1964 (Tokyo) Olympic Games, Hayes won the gold medal in the men's 100m dash, setting a new world record of 10.06. Hayes also ran on the U.S. gold medal 4 x 100m relay team. After the Olympics Hayes left athletics for a professional football career in the NFL. Hayes passed away in Jacksonville on 18 September 2002, suffering from prostate cancer.
Robert Lee Hayes, United States, sprints. Bob Hayes was born in Jacksonville, Florida, where he ran track and played football for Gilbert High School. Upon graduation he entered Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. During his years at FAMU he established himself as a world class sprinter, setting world records in the indoor 60y dash of 5.9 and in the outdoor 100y dash of 9.1. Representing the United States in the 1964 (Tokyo) Olympic Games, Hayes won the gold medal in the men's 100m dash, setting a new world record of 10.06. Hayes also ran on the U.S. gold medal 4 x 100m relay team. After the Olympics Hayes left athletics for a professional football career in the NFL. Hayes passed away in Jacksonville on 18 September 2002, suffering from prostate cancer.
Friday, December 18, 2009
December 18 Birthdays
1973
Fatuma Roba, Ethiopia, long-distance runner. Roba won the women's marathon at the 1996 (Atlanta) Olympic Games in a time of 2:26:05, exactly two minutes ahead of silver medalist Valentina Yegorova of Russia. Following her victory in Atlanta, Roba proceeded to win three straight women's titles at the Boston Marathon in 1997 (2:26:23), 1998 (2:23:21), and 1999 (2:23:25).
Fatuma Roba, Ethiopia, long-distance runner. Roba won the women's marathon at the 1996 (Atlanta) Olympic Games in a time of 2:26:05, exactly two minutes ahead of silver medalist Valentina Yegorova of Russia. Following her victory in Atlanta, Roba proceeded to win three straight women's titles at the Boston Marathon in 1997 (2:26:23), 1998 (2:23:21), and 1999 (2:23:25).
Thursday, December 17, 2009
December 17 Birthdays
1938
Peter George Snell, New Zealand, middle-distance runner. Coached by Arthur Lydiard, Peter Snell won gold medals in the 800m at the 1960 (Rome) Olympic Games, in the 800m at the 1964 (Tokyo) Olympic Games, and in the 1,500m at the 1964 (Tokyo) Olympic Games. He was also the gold medalist in the 880-yard run and the mile at the 1962 (Perth) Commonwealth Games. Snell set world records in the mile (3:54.4) in 1962, in the 800m (1:44.3) in 1962, in the mile (3:54.1) in 1964, and in the 1,000m (2:16.6) in 1964. He abruptly retired from running in 1965.
1966
Yuko Arimori, Japan, long-distance runner. Arimori won the silver medal in the 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games marathon(2:32:49) and the bronze medal in the 1996 (Atlanta) Olympic Games marathon (2:28:39), both times finishing one place behind Russian marathoner Valentina Yegorova. Arimori also placed third in the 1999 Boston Marathon (2:26:39).
Peter George Snell, New Zealand, middle-distance runner. Coached by Arthur Lydiard, Peter Snell won gold medals in the 800m at the 1960 (Rome) Olympic Games, in the 800m at the 1964 (Tokyo) Olympic Games, and in the 1,500m at the 1964 (Tokyo) Olympic Games. He was also the gold medalist in the 880-yard run and the mile at the 1962 (Perth) Commonwealth Games. Snell set world records in the mile (3:54.4) in 1962, in the 800m (1:44.3) in 1962, in the mile (3:54.1) in 1964, and in the 1,000m (2:16.6) in 1964. He abruptly retired from running in 1965.
1966
Yuko Arimori, Japan, long-distance runner. Arimori won the silver medal in the 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games marathon(2:32:49) and the bronze medal in the 1996 (Atlanta) Olympic Games marathon (2:28:39), both times finishing one place behind Russian marathoner Valentina Yegorova. Arimori also placed third in the 1999 Boston Marathon (2:26:39).
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
December 9 Birthdays
1889
Johannes Petter "Hannes" Kohlemainen, Finnish long-distance runner. Kohlemainen held world records at 2,000 meters, 3,000 meters, 5,000 meters, 25,000 meters, and 30,000 meters. In the 1912 (Stockholm) Olympic games, he won gold medals in the 5,000 meter and 10,000 meter track events as well as the 12 km cross-country race. Returning to the Olympics in 1920 (Antwerp), he won the 42.75 km marathon in 2:32:35.8. Kohlemainen also ran for Finland in the 1924 Olympics.
Johannes Petter "Hannes" Kohlemainen, Finnish long-distance runner. Kohlemainen held world records at 2,000 meters, 3,000 meters, 5,000 meters, 25,000 meters, and 30,000 meters. In the 1912 (Stockholm) Olympic games, he won gold medals in the 5,000 meter and 10,000 meter track events as well as the 12 km cross-country race. Returning to the Olympics in 1920 (Antwerp), he won the 42.75 km marathon in 2:32:35.8. Kohlemainen also ran for Finland in the 1924 Olympics.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
December 3 Birthdays
1950
Alberto Juantorena. In 1976, this Cuban runner won Olympic gold medals in both the 400m dash and 800m run, the only athlete in Olympic history to win both of these events, setting a world record of 1:43.50 in the 800.
Alberto Juantorena. In 1976, this Cuban runner won Olympic gold medals in both the 400m dash and 800m run, the only athlete in Olympic history to win both of these events, setting a world record of 1:43.50 in the 800.
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