Lin Xiaojun is a prominent short track speed skater, born as Lim Hyo-jun on May 29, 1996, in Daegu, South Korea. He gained international fame representing South Korea, most notably by winning the gold medal in the men’s 1500m event at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, where he also secured a bronze in the 500m. Following controversies and a shift in his career, he underwent naturalization and has since competed for China under the name Lin Xiaojun since 2021, contributing to the Chinese team’s successes in various international competitions, including World Cup events and preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics.…
Author: Kevin Koech
Amber Tamblyn is an accomplished American actress, author, and director known for her versatile work across television, film, and literature. Born Amber Rose Tamblyn on May 14, 1983, in Santa Monica, California, she grew up in a creative household deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. She is the daughter of actor Russ Tamblyn, recognized for his roles in classic films such as West Side Story, and singer/artist Bonnie Tamblyn. Siblings Tamblyn has one sibling, an older half-sister named China Faye Tamblyn from her father’s previous relationship. China is an artist, heavy metal welder, feminist punk rock singer, and mother, and…
Rita Moreno is a legendary Puerto Rican-American actress, dancer, and singer whose career has spanned over eight decades. Born Rosa Dolores Alverío Marcano on December 11, 1931, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, she spent her early childhood on a farm in nearby Juncos. Her parents, seamstress Rosa María Marcano and farmer Francisco José “Paco” Alverío, divorced shortly after her birth due to her father’s infidelity. In 1936, when Rita was five, her mother moved to New York City seeking better opportunities, taking Rita with her but leaving behind Rita’s younger brother, Francisco, because of financial hardship. Rita later adopted the surname…
Erben Wennemars is a renowned Dutch former speed skater, born on November 1, 1975, in Dalfsen, Netherlands. Known fully as Egbert Rolf “Erben” Wennemars, he specialized in the sprint and middle distances, particularly the 500m, 1000m, and 1500m events. He became one of the prominent figures in Dutch speed skating during the 2000s, celebrated for his explosive power, technical innovation, such as his early adoption of clap skates, and consistent performances on the international stage. After retiring from professional competition in 2010, he transitioned into roles as a television presenter, analyst, and entrepreneur while remaining connected to the sport through…
Lily Tomlin is a renowned American actress, comedian, writer, singer, and producer whose multifaceted career has spanned more than five decades. Born Mary Jean Tomlin on September 1, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, she rose to prominence through her sharp wit, memorable character creations, and groundbreaking work in comedy and acting. Tomlin has become an icon in entertainment, celebrated for her versatility across stage, television, and film, as well as her contributions to LGBTQ+ visibility through her long-term relationship with writer Jane Wagner, whom she married in 2013 after more than four decades together. Siblings Lily grew up in a working-class…
Russ Tamblyn is a renowned American actor, dancer, and artist whose career has spanned nearly eight decades. Born Russell Irving Tamblyn on December 30, 1934, in Los Angeles, California, he grew up in a show business family as the son of actors Sally Aileen Triplett and Edward Francis “Eddie” Tamblyn. From a young age, Tamblyn displayed remarkable energy and talent, training in gymnastics, dance, and acrobatics, which propelled him into Hollywood as a child performer. He became widely recognized for his dynamic roles in classic musicals and dramas, including standout performances in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and West Side…
Federico Pellegrino is an Italian cross-country skier born on September 1, 1990, in Aosta, Italy. Widely regarded as one of Italy’s most successful and consistent athletes in the sport, he specializes in sprint events and has built a reputation for his technical precision, mental strength, and longevity at the elite level. Known affectionately as “Chicco,” Pellegrino grew up in Nus in the Aosta Valley and has become a prominent figure in cross-country skiing, particularly in freestyle sprint disciplines. He is married to fellow retired cross-country skier Greta Laurent, with whom he shares two sons, Alexis and Fabien. Siblings Federico has…
Charles Hamelin is a renowned Canadian short track speed skater, widely regarded as one of the most successful athletes in the sport’s history. Born on April 14, 1984, in Lévis, Quebec, and raised in Sainte-Julie, he competed at the highest levels for nearly two decades before retiring. Hamelin participated in five Winter Olympic Games, from Turin 2006 to Beijing 2022, where he achieved remarkable success and became Canada’s most decorated male Winter Olympian alongside others in medal counts. Known for his tactical racing, resilience, and longevity, he dominated individual and relay events, earning a reputation as a clutch performer in…
Viktor Ahn is a renowned short-track speed skater born as Ahn Hyun-soo on November 23, 1985, in Seoul, South Korea. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport, having achieved extraordinary success while competing for both South Korea and Russia. After a high-profile switch in nationality in 2011, he adopted the name Viktor Ahn and continued his dominant career, eventually retiring in 2018. He now works as a coach in short-track speed skating. Siblings Viktor’s younger brother, Ahn Hyun-Jun, is also a short-track speed skater who pursued the sport at a promising…
François Hamelin is a Canadian former short track speed skater, born on December 18, 1986, in Lévis, Quebec. He grew up in Sainte-Julie, Quebec, and later resided in Montreal. He is widely recognized as part of Canada’s prominent “First Family” of short track speed skating, a family deeply immersed in the sport at both competitive and administrative levels. Hamelin competed at the highest international level, representing Canada at three Olympic Games and achieving notable success in relay events alongside his teammates. Siblings François has two brothers who were also involved in the sport: Charles Hamelin, his older brother, and Mathieu…
Arianna Fontana is one of Italy’s most celebrated athletes and a legendary figure in short track speed skating. Born on April 14, 1990, in Sondrio, Italy, in the scenic Valtellina valley, she grew up in Berbenno di Valtellina. She began skating at the remarkably young age of four, initially on roller skates before transitioning to ice. Her passion for the sport was sparked by her older brother Alessandro, whose own involvement in skating inspired her to follow in his footsteps.. She is married to Anthony Lobello, an Italian-American former skater who serves as her coach, and the couple splits time…
Marianne St-Gelais is a retired Canadian short track speed skater, widely recognized as one of the country’s most accomplished athletes in the sport. Born on February 17, 1990, in Roberval, Quebec, she hails from Saint-Félicien, Quebec, where she grew up in a family deeply connected to nature and sports. St-Gelais began speed skating at the age of 10 after a neighbor, who led the local club, invited her and her siblings to join to help boost membership. Known for her strength in the 500m distance and her contributions to relay teams, she became a fan favorite and a prominent figure…
Federica Brignone is a prominent Italian alpine ski racer, widely recognized as one of the most accomplished and versatile female skiers in the sport’s modern era. Born on July 14, 1990, in Milan, Italy, and raised in the Aosta Valley region, she comes from a deeply skiing-oriented family. Her mother, Maria Rosa Quario, was a successful World Cup skier in the late 1970s and early 1980s, specializing in slalom with four World Cup victories and multiple podiums, while her father, Daniele Brignone, worked as a ski instructor and early coach. This environment immersed Brignone in the sport from childhood, leading…
Patrick Roest is a prominent Dutch professional long-track speed skater, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished allrounders in the sport’s modern era. Born on December 7, 1995, in Lekkerkerk, a village in the South Holland province of the Netherlands, he grew up on his family’s farm, where he continues to work alongside his athletic pursuits. This rural background has shaped his strong work ethic and discipline, often providing him a mental reset away from the demands of elite competition. Roest stands at 1.87 meters tall and maintains a focused, grounded lifestyle that balances rigorous training with time spent…
Glen Powell is an American actor known for his charismatic performances in both blockbuster films and independent projects. Born Glen Thomas Powell Jr. on October 21, 1988, in Austin, Texas, he grew up in a supportive, close-knit family that has played a significant role in his life and career. He is the middle child among three siblings, with his parents, Glen Powell Sr., an executive coach, and Cyndy Powell, a homemaker. Siblings Glen has two sisters who remain integral to his personal life. His older sister, Lauren Powell Whatton, was born in 1986 and is the eldest of the siblings.…