1979
Primož Kozmus, Slovenia, hammer thrower. Kozmus began to emerge as preeminent in the men's hammer throw when he won the silver medal in the event at the 2007 (Osaka) World Championships. The following year he won the gold medal in the hammer at the 2008 (Beijing) Olympic Games, throwing 82.02m. Kozmus has since won the hammer at the 2009 (Berlin) World Championships, tossing the implement 80.84m for the gold.
1980
Christian Cantwell, United States, shot putter. Cantwell sent the shot 69' 2-1/2" (21.09m) at the 2008 (Beijing) Olympic Games to take the silver medal in the men's shot put behind Poland's Tomasz Majewski. The results were more to Cantwell's liking at the 2009 (Berlin) World Championships where he threw 22.03m--12 cm farther than Majewski and good enough for the gold medal.
Showing posts with label September. Show all posts
Showing posts with label September. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
September 29 Birthdays
1951
Nina Holmén, Finland, distance runner. Siv Nina Anette Holmén was a silver medalist at the World Cross Country Championships in 1974, the same year that she won a gold medal at the European Championships in the women's 3,000m. Unfortunately for Holmén and other female long-distance runners, the Olympics had no women's events longer than 1,500m. Holmén did compete for Finland in the 1,500m at the 1976 (Montreal) Olympic Games, where she placed ninth.
1957
Harald Schmid, West Germany, hurdler. Schmid was one of the world's top 400m hurdler, but unfortunately at the same time that Edwin Moses was indisputable the best 400m hurdler in the world, winning 122 races in a row. Nevertheless, Schmid did win a silver medal in the men's 400m hurdles at the 1983 (Helsinki) World Championships, a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1984 (Los Angeles) Olympic Games, and a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1987 (Rome) World Championships. He was also a three-time gold medalist in the 400m hurdles at the European Championships--and event that was closed to Moses, an American.
Nina Holmén, Finland, distance runner. Siv Nina Anette Holmén was a silver medalist at the World Cross Country Championships in 1974, the same year that she won a gold medal at the European Championships in the women's 3,000m. Unfortunately for Holmén and other female long-distance runners, the Olympics had no women's events longer than 1,500m. Holmén did compete for Finland in the 1,500m at the 1976 (Montreal) Olympic Games, where she placed ninth.
1957
Harald Schmid, West Germany, hurdler. Schmid was one of the world's top 400m hurdler, but unfortunately at the same time that Edwin Moses was indisputable the best 400m hurdler in the world, winning 122 races in a row. Nevertheless, Schmid did win a silver medal in the men's 400m hurdles at the 1983 (Helsinki) World Championships, a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1984 (Los Angeles) Olympic Games, and a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1987 (Rome) World Championships. He was also a three-time gold medalist in the 400m hurdles at the European Championships--and event that was closed to Moses, an American.
Monday, September 28, 2009
September 28 Birthdays
1937
Bob Schul, United States, distance runner. Bob Schul won the 1964 (Tokyo) Olympic Games 5,000m, running 13:48.8. To this date, he is the only American athlete to ever win an Olympic championship at 5,000m. Schul also set a world record of 13:26.4 for the indoor three-mile run in 1963.
Bob Schul, United States, distance runner. Bob Schul won the 1964 (Tokyo) Olympic Games 5,000m, running 13:48.8. To this date, he is the only American athlete to ever win an Olympic championship at 5,000m. Schul also set a world record of 13:26.4 for the indoor three-mile run in 1963.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
September 27 Birthdays
1967
Stephan Timo Freigang, Germany, long-distance runner. Stephan Freigang was the bronze medalist in the 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games marathon (2:14:00). Of his 15 career marathons, he won 10, including the 1989 Fukuoka Marathon (2:12:28). His career best was 2:09:45, clocked during his fourth-place finish in the 1990 Berlin Marathon.
Stephan Timo Freigang, Germany, long-distance runner. Stephan Freigang was the bronze medalist in the 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games marathon (2:14:00). Of his 15 career marathons, he won 10, including the 1989 Fukuoka Marathon (2:12:28). His career best was 2:09:45, clocked during his fourth-place finish in the 1990 Berlin Marathon.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
September 26 Birthdays
1963
Douglas Wakiihuri, Kenya, long-distance runner. Rather than training in his native Kenya, Wakiihuri moved to Japan in 1983, where he worked under the direction of Kiyoshi Nakamura, coach to Toshihiko Seko. In Japan Wakiihuri became a strong enough marathoner to be selected to the Kenyan national team, whose colors he was wearing when he won the 1987 (Rome) World Championships marathon (2:11:48). Wakiihuri followed up his world title with a silver medal in the 1988 (Seoul) Olympic Games marathon (2:10:47). He also won the 1989 London Marathon (2:09:03) and the 1990 (Auckland) Commonwealth Games marathon (2:10:27).
Douglas Wakiihuri, Kenya, long-distance runner. Rather than training in his native Kenya, Wakiihuri moved to Japan in 1983, where he worked under the direction of Kiyoshi Nakamura, coach to Toshihiko Seko. In Japan Wakiihuri became a strong enough marathoner to be selected to the Kenyan national team, whose colors he was wearing when he won the 1987 (Rome) World Championships marathon (2:11:48). Wakiihuri followed up his world title with a silver medal in the 1988 (Seoul) Olympic Games marathon (2:10:47). He also won the 1989 London Marathon (2:09:03) and the 1990 (Auckland) Commonwealth Games marathon (2:10:27).
Friday, September 25, 2009
September 25 Birthdays
1964
Ray Lazdins, Canada, discus thrower. Lazdins was the gold medalist in the men's discus at the 1986 (Edinburgh) Commonwealth Games, where he threw 58.86m. He is also a nine-time national champion in the discus, and it should not reflect poorly on him that the nation is Canada.
1974
Kemel Thompson, Jamaica, hurdler. Thompson won a bronze medal at the 2006 (Melbourne) Commonwealth games, placing third in the men's 400m hurdles in 48.65.
Ray Lazdins, Canada, discus thrower. Lazdins was the gold medalist in the men's discus at the 1986 (Edinburgh) Commonwealth Games, where he threw 58.86m. He is also a nine-time national champion in the discus, and it should not reflect poorly on him that the nation is Canada.
1974
Kemel Thompson, Jamaica, hurdler. Thompson won a bronze medal at the 2006 (Melbourne) Commonwealth games, placing third in the men's 400m hurdles in 48.65.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
September 24 Birthdays
1956
Ilona Slupianek, East Germany, shot putter. Slupianek competed in the women's shot in the 1977 European Cup, but was disqualified for doping. Certainly, though, she must have been clean during 1980-1984 when she held the world records of 22.36m then 22.45m in the women's shot. During this period she also won the gold medal in the women's shot at the 1980 (Moscow) Olympic Games, and a bronze medal in that event at the 1983 (Helsinki) World Championships.
1980
Olga Ryabinkina, Russia, shot putter. Ryabinkina competed in the women's shot for Russia at the 2000 (Sydney) and 2004 (Athens) Olympic Games, but had greater success at the 2005 (Helsinki) World Championships where she won a silver medal in the event with a mark of 19.64m.
Ilona Slupianek, East Germany, shot putter. Slupianek competed in the women's shot in the 1977 European Cup, but was disqualified for doping. Certainly, though, she must have been clean during 1980-1984 when she held the world records of 22.36m then 22.45m in the women's shot. During this period she also won the gold medal in the women's shot at the 1980 (Moscow) Olympic Games, and a bronze medal in that event at the 1983 (Helsinki) World Championships.
1980
Olga Ryabinkina, Russia, shot putter. Ryabinkina competed in the women's shot for Russia at the 2000 (Sydney) and 2004 (Athens) Olympic Games, but had greater success at the 2005 (Helsinki) World Championships where she won a silver medal in the event with a mark of 19.64m.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
September 23 Birthdays
1936
Rink Babka, United States, discus thrower. Richard Babka reached the high point of his discus career in August of 1960, when he set a world record of 196' 6" in the event and then won a silver medal in the men's discus throw at the 1960 (Rome) Olympic Games, placing behind the great Al Oerter.
1948
Vera Nikolić, Yugoslavia, middle-distance runner. In 1968 Nikolić set a world record in the women's 800m of 2:00.5. She broke her own record in 1971, running 2:00.0. The record was broken later that year by West Germany's Hildegard Falck, who went on to win gold in the 800m at the 1972 (Munich) Olympic Games, a race in which Nikolić finished fourth in 1:59.6.
1962
Jack Pierce, United States, hurdler. Pierce won a silver medal at the 1991 (Tokyo) World Championships in the 110m hurdles (13.06), a bronze medal at the 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games in the 110m hurdles (13.26), and a bronze medal at the 1993 (Stuttgart) World Championships in the 100m hurdles (13.06).
Rink Babka, United States, discus thrower. Richard Babka reached the high point of his discus career in August of 1960, when he set a world record of 196' 6" in the event and then won a silver medal in the men's discus throw at the 1960 (Rome) Olympic Games, placing behind the great Al Oerter.
1948
Vera Nikolić, Yugoslavia, middle-distance runner. In 1968 Nikolić set a world record in the women's 800m of 2:00.5. She broke her own record in 1971, running 2:00.0. The record was broken later that year by West Germany's Hildegard Falck, who went on to win gold in the 800m at the 1972 (Munich) Olympic Games, a race in which Nikolić finished fourth in 1:59.6.
1962
Jack Pierce, United States, hurdler. Pierce won a silver medal at the 1991 (Tokyo) World Championships in the 110m hurdles (13.06), a bronze medal at the 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games in the 110m hurdles (13.26), and a bronze medal at the 1993 (Stuttgart) World Championships in the 100m hurdles (13.06).
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
September 22 Birthdays
1937
Buddy Edelen, United States, long-distance runner. Leonard Graves Edelen was the first American athlete to crack 2:20:00 in the marathon as well as the first under 30:00 in the 10,000m. In 1962 he won the Polytechnic Marathon, running a world-best mark of 2:14:28, the first time anyone had run a marathon under 2:15:00. At the 1964 (Tokyo) Olympic Games he finished sixth in the marathon. I first learned of Edelen in a chapter devoted to his career in Leonard Shecter's 1969 book The Jocks. More recently Frank Murphy wrote an entire book devoted to Edelen's athletic career, the 2000 biography A Cold Clear Day. Edelen died on 19 February 1997.
1958
Amadou Dia Ba, Senegal, hurdler. After an early flirtation with the high jump, El Hadj Amadou Dia Ba became a 400m hurdles specialist, making the final in the men's 400m hurdles in the 1983 (Helsinki) World Championships and winning a silver medal in that event at the 1988 (Seoul) Olympic Games, running 47.23.
1961
Jack Buckner, Great Britain, middle-distance runner. Running in the shadow of Steve Ovett and Seb Coe, Jack Richard Buckner moved up from the 1,500m/mile to the 5,000m. In the longer event he placed second in the 1986 (Edinburgh) Commonwealth Games, running 13:25.87 behind Ovett. Later that year he set the European Championships record of 13:10.15 in the men's 5,000m. Buckner went on to win a bronze medal in the men's 5,000m at the 1987 (Rome) World Championships and represent Britain in the 5,000m in the 1988 (Seoul) and 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games.
1964
Tibor Gécsek, Hungary, hammer thrower. After winning bronze medals in the hammer at the 1993 (Stuttgart) and 1995 (Gothenburg) world championships, Tibor Gécsek tested positive for drugs and received a two-year ban from the IAAF. Even so, I didn't think it would be healthy to ignore the birthday of a man who has thrown the hammer 83.68m.
Buddy Edelen, United States, long-distance runner. Leonard Graves Edelen was the first American athlete to crack 2:20:00 in the marathon as well as the first under 30:00 in the 10,000m. In 1962 he won the Polytechnic Marathon, running a world-best mark of 2:14:28, the first time anyone had run a marathon under 2:15:00. At the 1964 (Tokyo) Olympic Games he finished sixth in the marathon. I first learned of Edelen in a chapter devoted to his career in Leonard Shecter's 1969 book The Jocks. More recently Frank Murphy wrote an entire book devoted to Edelen's athletic career, the 2000 biography A Cold Clear Day. Edelen died on 19 February 1997.
1958
Amadou Dia Ba, Senegal, hurdler. After an early flirtation with the high jump, El Hadj Amadou Dia Ba became a 400m hurdles specialist, making the final in the men's 400m hurdles in the 1983 (Helsinki) World Championships and winning a silver medal in that event at the 1988 (Seoul) Olympic Games, running 47.23.
1961
Jack Buckner, Great Britain, middle-distance runner. Running in the shadow of Steve Ovett and Seb Coe, Jack Richard Buckner moved up from the 1,500m/mile to the 5,000m. In the longer event he placed second in the 1986 (Edinburgh) Commonwealth Games, running 13:25.87 behind Ovett. Later that year he set the European Championships record of 13:10.15 in the men's 5,000m. Buckner went on to win a bronze medal in the men's 5,000m at the 1987 (Rome) World Championships and represent Britain in the 5,000m in the 1988 (Seoul) and 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games.
1964
Tibor Gécsek, Hungary, hammer thrower. After winning bronze medals in the hammer at the 1993 (Stuttgart) and 1995 (Gothenburg) world championships, Tibor Gécsek tested positive for drugs and received a two-year ban from the IAAF. Even so, I didn't think it would be healthy to ignore the birthday of a man who has thrown the hammer 83.68m.
Monday, September 21, 2009
September 21 Birthdays
1911
Juan Carlos Zabala, Argentine long-distance runner. Zabala was the Olympic marathon champion in 1932 (Los Angeles), running 2:33:19. Zabala also set world records at 30,000 meters and 20,000 meters.
1930
Sergei Popov, Soviet Union, long-distance runner. Popov, a three-time Soviet national champion in the marathon (1957, 1958, 1959), set a world record in the marathon of 2:15:17 at the 1958 European Championships in Stockholm. Yes, I know; it's supposed to be called a "world best" and not a "world record." Popov ran 2:19:18.8 to finish fifth in the 1960 (Rome) Olympic Games marathon, the race in which the great Abebe Bikila broke Popov's world record.
Juan Carlos Zabala, Argentine long-distance runner. Zabala was the Olympic marathon champion in 1932 (Los Angeles), running 2:33:19. Zabala also set world records at 30,000 meters and 20,000 meters.
1930
Sergei Popov, Soviet Union, long-distance runner. Popov, a three-time Soviet national champion in the marathon (1957, 1958, 1959), set a world record in the marathon of 2:15:17 at the 1958 European Championships in Stockholm. Yes, I know; it's supposed to be called a "world best" and not a "world record." Popov ran 2:19:18.8 to finish fifth in the 1960 (Rome) Olympic Games marathon, the race in which the great Abebe Bikila broke Popov's world record.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
September 20 Birthdays
1944
Phil May, Australia, long jumper/triple jumper. Phillip John May won a gold medal in the men's triple jump (16.72m) and a silver medal in the men's long jump (7.94m) at the 1970 (Edinburgh) Commonwealth Games. He also competed for Australia at the 1968 (Mexico City) Olympic Games, placing sixth in the triple jump with a 17.02m performance.
1955
Silvio Leonard, Cuba, sprinter. Leonard won a silver medal in the men's 100m at the 1980 (Moscow) Olympic Games, running 10.25 in a photo finish with winner Allan Wells. Leonard also was the second sprinter to run under 10 seconds for 100m, running 9.98 in 1977.
1960
Alice Brown, United States, sprinter. Alice Regina Brown ran 11.13 in the women's 100m at the 1984 (Los Angeles) Olympic Games to win the silver medal.
1969
Jo Jennings, Great Britain, high jumper. Joanne Loraine Jennings was the silver medalist in the women's high jump at the 1998 (Kuala Lumpur) Commonwealth Games, clearing 1.91m. Previously she had jumped for Britain in the 1988 (Seoul) and 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games.
Phil May, Australia, long jumper/triple jumper. Phillip John May won a gold medal in the men's triple jump (16.72m) and a silver medal in the men's long jump (7.94m) at the 1970 (Edinburgh) Commonwealth Games. He also competed for Australia at the 1968 (Mexico City) Olympic Games, placing sixth in the triple jump with a 17.02m performance.
1955
Silvio Leonard, Cuba, sprinter. Leonard won a silver medal in the men's 100m at the 1980 (Moscow) Olympic Games, running 10.25 in a photo finish with winner Allan Wells. Leonard also was the second sprinter to run under 10 seconds for 100m, running 9.98 in 1977.
1960
Alice Brown, United States, sprinter. Alice Regina Brown ran 11.13 in the women's 100m at the 1984 (Los Angeles) Olympic Games to win the silver medal.
1969
Jo Jennings, Great Britain, high jumper. Joanne Loraine Jennings was the silver medalist in the women's high jump at the 1998 (Kuala Lumpur) Commonwealth Games, clearing 1.91m. Previously she had jumped for Britain in the 1988 (Seoul) and 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
September 19 Birthdays
1922
Emil Zátopek, Czech long-distance runner. It would be difficult to overstate the accomplishments of Emil Zátopek. In his debut at the 1948 (London) Olympic games, he won a gold medal in the 10,000m run and a silver medal in the 5,000m run. Returning to the Olympics in 1952 (Helsinki), he won gold medals in the 5,000m, the 10,000m, and the marathon (it was his first race at the marathon distance). Zátopek did not medal in the 1956 (Melbourne) Olympics, but finished a respectable sixth in the marathon. Outside of Olympic competition, Zátopek set a total of seventeen world records at distances ranging from 5,000m to 30,000m, and he was the first runner to break 29:00 for 10,000m.
1936
Al Oerter, United States, discus thrower. Four Olympic Games. Four Olympic gold medals. Four Olympic records. Al Oerter passed away on 1 October 2007.
Emil Zátopek, Czech long-distance runner. It would be difficult to overstate the accomplishments of Emil Zátopek. In his debut at the 1948 (London) Olympic games, he won a gold medal in the 10,000m run and a silver medal in the 5,000m run. Returning to the Olympics in 1952 (Helsinki), he won gold medals in the 5,000m, the 10,000m, and the marathon (it was his first race at the marathon distance). Zátopek did not medal in the 1956 (Melbourne) Olympics, but finished a respectable sixth in the marathon. Outside of Olympic competition, Zátopek set a total of seventeen world records at distances ranging from 5,000m to 30,000m, and he was the first runner to break 29:00 for 10,000m.
1936
Al Oerter, United States, discus thrower. Four Olympic Games. Four Olympic gold medals. Four Olympic records. Al Oerter passed away on 1 October 2007.
Friday, September 18, 2009
September 18 Birthdays
1954
Mohammed Kedir, Ethiopia, distance runner. Kedir won the bronze medal in the 1980(Moscow) Olympic Games 10,000m, running 27:44.64. In 1982 he won the World Cross Country championships, the first athlete from the continent of Africa to win that title.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
September 17 Birthdays
1942
Doris Brown, American distance runner. Brown won a total of five world cross-country titles (1967 - 1971), competed on two US Olympic teams (1964, 1968), set numerous world and US records in distances ranging from 440y up to two miles, and was the first woman ever to break five minutes in the indoor mile.
Doris Brown, American distance runner. Brown won a total of five world cross-country titles (1967 - 1971), competed on two US Olympic teams (1964, 1968), set numerous world and US records in distances ranging from 440y up to two miles, and was the first woman ever to break five minutes in the indoor mile.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
September 16 Birthdays
1940
Jutta Heine, Germany, sprinter. Competing for the German Unified Team, six-foot-tall Heine won the silver medal in the women's 200m at the 1960 (Rome) Olympic Games, running 24.4. She also ran the 200m for Germany in the 1964 (Tokyo) Olympic Games, but failed to make the final.
1947
Ilona Gusenbauer, Austria, high jump. In 1971 Ilona Gusenbauer set the world record in the women's high jump, clearing 1.92m. Exactly one year later the record was equaled at the 1972 (Munich) Olympic Games by Ulrike Meyfarth, who won the gold medal. Gusenbauer won the bronze that day, jumping 1.85m.
1950
Raisa Katyukova-Smekhnova, Soviet Union, long-distance runner. Raisa Katyukova-Smekhnova won the bronze medal in the marathon at the 1983 (Helsinki) World Championships, running 2:31:13.
1957
Keith Connor, Great Britain, triple jumper. Connor had already won the triple jump gold medal at the 1978 (Edmonton) Commonwealth Games when he enrolled at the University of Texas at El Paso. In 1980 he competed for Britain at the (Moscow) Olympic Games, placing fourth. After that he transferred to Southern Methodist University, where he won three straight NCAA triple jump titles (1981, 1982, 1983). During his tenure at SMU he also won a second gold medal in the triple jump at the 1982 (Brisbane) Commonwealth Games. He ended his competitive career by winning the bronze medal in the triple jump at the 1984 (Los Angeles) Olympic Games.
1966
Kevin Young, United States, hurdler. Having already represented the United States in the 400m hurdles at the 1986 Goodwill Games, Young won the NCAA title in the 400m hurdles in 1987 and 1988. At the 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games he won the gold medal in the 400m hurdles with a world-record time of 46.78. He was also the gold medalist in the 400m hurdles at the 1993 (Stuttgart) World Championships.
1967
Mike Smith, Canada, decathlon. Michael C. Smith was the silver medalist in the decathlon at the 1991 (Tokyo)World Championships. He was also the Commonwealth Games champion in the decathlon in 1990 (Auckland) and 1994 (Victoria) and represented Canada in the event at the 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games.
1971
Karsten Kobs, Germany, hammer thrower. Kobs was the gold medalist in the hammer throw at the 1999 (Seville) World Championships, where he threw 80.24m.
1980
Jadel Gregório, Brazil, triple jumper. Jadel Abdul Ghani Gregório was the world leader in the triple jump in 2007, the year that he won the silver medal in the (Osaka) World Championships triple jump. He also represented Brazil in the 2008 (Beijing) Olympic Games, where he placed sixth with a mark of 17.20m.
1984
Maryam Yusuf Jamal, Bahrain, middle-distance runner. Born in Ethiopia, competing for Bahrain, and training in Switzerland, Maryam Yusuf Jamal won the women's 1,500m at the 2007 (Tokyo) and 2009 (Berlin) World Championships.
Jutta Heine, Germany, sprinter. Competing for the German Unified Team, six-foot-tall Heine won the silver medal in the women's 200m at the 1960 (Rome) Olympic Games, running 24.4. She also ran the 200m for Germany in the 1964 (Tokyo) Olympic Games, but failed to make the final.
1947
Ilona Gusenbauer, Austria, high jump. In 1971 Ilona Gusenbauer set the world record in the women's high jump, clearing 1.92m. Exactly one year later the record was equaled at the 1972 (Munich) Olympic Games by Ulrike Meyfarth, who won the gold medal. Gusenbauer won the bronze that day, jumping 1.85m.
1950
Raisa Katyukova-Smekhnova, Soviet Union, long-distance runner. Raisa Katyukova-Smekhnova won the bronze medal in the marathon at the 1983 (Helsinki) World Championships, running 2:31:13.
1957
Keith Connor, Great Britain, triple jumper. Connor had already won the triple jump gold medal at the 1978 (Edmonton) Commonwealth Games when he enrolled at the University of Texas at El Paso. In 1980 he competed for Britain at the (Moscow) Olympic Games, placing fourth. After that he transferred to Southern Methodist University, where he won three straight NCAA triple jump titles (1981, 1982, 1983). During his tenure at SMU he also won a second gold medal in the triple jump at the 1982 (Brisbane) Commonwealth Games. He ended his competitive career by winning the bronze medal in the triple jump at the 1984 (Los Angeles) Olympic Games.
1966
Kevin Young, United States, hurdler. Having already represented the United States in the 400m hurdles at the 1986 Goodwill Games, Young won the NCAA title in the 400m hurdles in 1987 and 1988. At the 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games he won the gold medal in the 400m hurdles with a world-record time of 46.78. He was also the gold medalist in the 400m hurdles at the 1993 (Stuttgart) World Championships.
1967
Mike Smith, Canada, decathlon. Michael C. Smith was the silver medalist in the decathlon at the 1991 (Tokyo)World Championships. He was also the Commonwealth Games champion in the decathlon in 1990 (Auckland) and 1994 (Victoria) and represented Canada in the event at the 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games.
1971
Karsten Kobs, Germany, hammer thrower. Kobs was the gold medalist in the hammer throw at the 1999 (Seville) World Championships, where he threw 80.24m.
1980
Jadel Gregório, Brazil, triple jumper. Jadel Abdul Ghani Gregório was the world leader in the triple jump in 2007, the year that he won the silver medal in the (Osaka) World Championships triple jump. He also represented Brazil in the 2008 (Beijing) Olympic Games, where he placed sixth with a mark of 17.20m.
1984
Maryam Yusuf Jamal, Bahrain, middle-distance runner. Born in Ethiopia, competing for Bahrain, and training in Switzerland, Maryam Yusuf Jamal won the women's 1,500m at the 2007 (Tokyo) and 2009 (Berlin) World Championships.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
September 15 Birthdays
1955
Samson Kimobwa, Kenya, distance runner. A team-mate of Henry Rono at Washington State University, Kimobwa won the NCAA 10,000m title in 1977. Later that year he broke Dave Bedford's world record in the 10,000m, running 27:30.5 at a meet in Helsinki on June 30. The record was broken the following year by Rono.
1972
Tim Mack, United States, pole vaulter. Timothy Mack was the 2004 (Athens) Olympic Games men's pole vault champion, vaulting an Olympic-record 5.95m. That same year he vaulted 6.02m, becoming one of handful of athletes to clear a height greater than 6m. Bill Livingston has written a book about Mack, Above and Beyond: Tim Mack, the Pole Vault, and the Quest for Olympic Gold.
1973
Cristina Pomacu, Romania, long-distance runner. Pomacu won the silver medal in the IAAF half-marathon world championship in 1995 (70:22) and 1997 (68:43). She is also a three-time (1994, 2000, 2001) champion of the Belgrade Marathon.
Samson Kimobwa, Kenya, distance runner. A team-mate of Henry Rono at Washington State University, Kimobwa won the NCAA 10,000m title in 1977. Later that year he broke Dave Bedford's world record in the 10,000m, running 27:30.5 at a meet in Helsinki on June 30. The record was broken the following year by Rono.
1972
Tim Mack, United States, pole vaulter. Timothy Mack was the 2004 (Athens) Olympic Games men's pole vault champion, vaulting an Olympic-record 5.95m. That same year he vaulted 6.02m, becoming one of handful of athletes to clear a height greater than 6m. Bill Livingston has written a book about Mack, Above and Beyond: Tim Mack, the Pole Vault, and the Quest for Olympic Gold.
1973
Cristina Pomacu, Romania, long-distance runner. Pomacu won the silver medal in the IAAF half-marathon world championship in 1995 (70:22) and 1997 (68:43). She is also a three-time (1994, 2000, 2001) champion of the Belgrade Marathon.
Monday, September 14, 2009
September 14 Birthdays
1945
Annamária Tóth, Hungary, pentathlete. Annamária Tóth won the bronze medal in the women's pentathlon at the 1968 (Mexico City) Olympic Games, scoring 4,959 points behind Ingrid Becker of West Germany and Liese Prokop of Austria.
1974
Hicham El Guerrouj, Morocco, middle-distance runner. After winning a silver medal in the 1,500m at the 2000 (Sydney) Olympic Games, El Guerrouj returned to the Olympics four years later to win both the 1,500m (3:34.19) and the 5,000m (13:14.39) at the Games in Athens. In the World Championships, El Guerrouj won a silver medal in the 1,500m in 1995 (Gothenburg), a gold medal in the 1,500m in 1997 (Athens), a gold medal in the 1,500m in 1999 (Seville), a gold medal in the 1,500m in 2001 (Edmonton), and a gold medal in the 1,500m and a silver medal in the 5,000m in 2003 (Paris). El Guerouj still holds the world records in the 1,500m (3:26.00), the mile (3:43.13), and the 2,000m (4:44.79).
1976
Roman Shchurenko, Ukraine, long jump. Roman Shchurenko leaped 8.31m to win the bronze medal in the men's long jump at the 2000 (Sydney) Olympic Games.
Annamária Tóth, Hungary, pentathlete. Annamária Tóth won the bronze medal in the women's pentathlon at the 1968 (Mexico City) Olympic Games, scoring 4,959 points behind Ingrid Becker of West Germany and Liese Prokop of Austria.
1974
Hicham El Guerrouj, Morocco, middle-distance runner. After winning a silver medal in the 1,500m at the 2000 (Sydney) Olympic Games, El Guerrouj returned to the Olympics four years later to win both the 1,500m (3:34.19) and the 5,000m (13:14.39) at the Games in Athens. In the World Championships, El Guerrouj won a silver medal in the 1,500m in 1995 (Gothenburg), a gold medal in the 1,500m in 1997 (Athens), a gold medal in the 1,500m in 1999 (Seville), a gold medal in the 1,500m in 2001 (Edmonton), and a gold medal in the 1,500m and a silver medal in the 5,000m in 2003 (Paris). El Guerouj still holds the world records in the 1,500m (3:26.00), the mile (3:43.13), and the 2,000m (4:44.79).
1976
Roman Shchurenko, Ukraine, long jump. Roman Shchurenko leaped 8.31m to win the bronze medal in the men's long jump at the 2000 (Sydney) Olympic Games.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
September 13 Birthdays
1966
Azzedine Brahmi, Algeria, middle-distance runner. Azzedine Brahmi specialized in the 3,000m steeplechase, and won the bronze medal in that event at the 1991 (Tokyo) World Championships. He also ran the 3,000m steeplechase for Algeria at the 1988 (Seoul) and 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games, finishing eighth in both outings.
1967
Michael Johnson, United States, sprinter. Michael Duane Johnson remains the only person to ever win both the 200m and the 400m at the Olympic Games, which he did in 1996 (Atlanta). In doing so, he set a world record of 19.32 in the 200m; the record stood for 12 years before being broken by Usain Bolt (who might faint if he attempted to run a whole 400m lap). Johnson also ran the U.S. at the 1992 (Barcelona) and 2000 (Sydney) Olympic Games, winning the gold medal in the 400m in 2000. He was even more dominant in the World Championships, winning the gold medal in the 200m in 1991 (Tokyo), in the 400m in 1993 (Stuttgart), in the 200m and the 400m in 1995 (Gothenburg), in the 400m in 1997 (Athens), and in the 400m in 1999 (Seville). In the latter race, Johnson set a world record of 43.18 for 400m. Midway through his career, Johnson wrote a self-help book and autobiography, Slaying the Dragon: How to Turn Your Small Steps to Great Feats.
1973
Christine Arron, France, sprinter. Arron won bronze medals in both the women's 100m and women's 200m at the 2005 (Helsinki) World Championships.
Azzedine Brahmi, Algeria, middle-distance runner. Azzedine Brahmi specialized in the 3,000m steeplechase, and won the bronze medal in that event at the 1991 (Tokyo) World Championships. He also ran the 3,000m steeplechase for Algeria at the 1988 (Seoul) and 1992 (Barcelona) Olympic Games, finishing eighth in both outings.
1967
Michael Johnson, United States, sprinter. Michael Duane Johnson remains the only person to ever win both the 200m and the 400m at the Olympic Games, which he did in 1996 (Atlanta). In doing so, he set a world record of 19.32 in the 200m; the record stood for 12 years before being broken by Usain Bolt (who might faint if he attempted to run a whole 400m lap). Johnson also ran the U.S. at the 1992 (Barcelona) and 2000 (Sydney) Olympic Games, winning the gold medal in the 400m in 2000. He was even more dominant in the World Championships, winning the gold medal in the 200m in 1991 (Tokyo), in the 400m in 1993 (Stuttgart), in the 200m and the 400m in 1995 (Gothenburg), in the 400m in 1997 (Athens), and in the 400m in 1999 (Seville). In the latter race, Johnson set a world record of 43.18 for 400m. Midway through his career, Johnson wrote a self-help book and autobiography, Slaying the Dragon: How to Turn Your Small Steps to Great Feats.
1973
Christine Arron, France, sprinter. Arron won bronze medals in both the women's 100m and women's 200m at the 2005 (Helsinki) World Championships.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
September 12 Birthdays
1971
Chandra Sturrup, Bahamas, sprinter. Sturrup won the bronze medal in the women's 100m at the 2001 (Edmonton) World Championships and another bronze medal in the women's 100m at the 2003 (Paris) World Championships. She reached the final in the women's 100m in the 1996 (Atlanta) and 2000 (Sydney) Olympic Games.
1984
Leonel Manzano, United States, middle-distance runner. Born in Mexico, Manzano moved to the United States with his family when he was four years old. He won five NCAA titles in the 800m, 1,500m, and mile while running for the University of Texas from 2004 to 2008. Manzano ran the 1,500m for the United States at the 2008 (Beijing) Olympic Games and finished twelfth in the 1,500m (3:40.05) at the 2009 (Berlin) World Championships.
Chandra Sturrup, Bahamas, sprinter. Sturrup won the bronze medal in the women's 100m at the 2001 (Edmonton) World Championships and another bronze medal in the women's 100m at the 2003 (Paris) World Championships. She reached the final in the women's 100m in the 1996 (Atlanta) and 2000 (Sydney) Olympic Games.
1984
Leonel Manzano, United States, middle-distance runner. Born in Mexico, Manzano moved to the United States with his family when he was four years old. He won five NCAA titles in the 800m, 1,500m, and mile while running for the University of Texas from 2004 to 2008. Manzano ran the 1,500m for the United States at the 2008 (Beijing) Olympic Games and finished twelfth in the 1,500m (3:40.05) at the 2009 (Berlin) World Championships.
Friday, September 11, 2009
September 11 Birthdays
1949
Martin "Marty" Liquori, American middle-distance runner. In 1967 Marty Liquori became the third American to run a sub-4:00 mile as a schoolboy (3:59.8). He was ranked as the top miler in the world in 1969 and 1971, the top 5,000m runner in the world in 1977, and held the American record in the 5,000m run (13:15.1).
Martin "Marty" Liquori, American middle-distance runner. In 1967 Marty Liquori became the third American to run a sub-4:00 mile as a schoolboy (3:59.8). He was ranked as the top miler in the world in 1969 and 1971, the top 5,000m runner in the world in 1977, and held the American record in the 5,000m run (13:15.1).
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