People R Amazing!

In 1954, Roger Bannister, a 25-year-old British medical student, made history by becoming the first man to run a mile in less than four minutes. A feat that was thought to be humanly impossible!

A former textile worker, the then 26-year-old Valentina Tereshkova from the Soviet Union, became the first woman in space. Her journey into space was seen to be a clear signal in the development of equal rights for women. She stated, “On Earth, men and women are taking the same risks... Why shouldn’t we be taking the same risks in space?”

Matt Stutzman was born without arms – just stumps at the shoulders – but there is nothing he cannot do.

He holds a world record for the most accurate distance shot in archery, which includes able-bodied archers.

During the 1958 World Cup, the 17-year-old Pele scored a staggering 6 goals leading the Brazilian National Team to victory. Consequently, Brazil won its first World Cup that year. The world paid attention to the young star – Pele.

Born in rural poverty, Oprah’s mother raised her dependent upon government welfare payments to survive. The Oprah Winfrey Show was the highest rating television programme, dubbing Oprah as the “queen of media” and was broadcast from 1986 to 2011.

Barack Obama is best known for being the first African American President of the United States.

Whilst travelling home from school in 2012 a gunman shot Malala Yousafzai for defying the Taliban, who demanded that girls should not be allowed to receive an education.

From living on state benefits, J.K Rowling became a multi-millionaire within just a few years. She is the United kingdom’s best-selling living author.

The idea for the Harry Potter series was created on a delayed train from Manchester to London in 1990. The first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was completed in 1997.

At the age of one and a half, Helen Keller was extremely ill and lost both her vision and hearing. She overcame the adversity of being blind and deaf during her remarkable life, standing as a powerful example of how determination, hard work, and imagination can allow an individual to triumph over hard times. By overcoming difficult conditions with a great deal of persistence, she grew into a respected and world-renowned activist and author.

Mahatma, meaning “great-souled”, is fondly remembered by the world as one of the most famous freedom fighters in the history of mankind.

Thanks to Florence Nightingale, much of what we know about clean and organised hospitals has come from her teachings. In particular, she is famous for her work during the Crimean War, whereby she changed the face of nursing from an untrained profession to a highly skilled and respected profession.

Emily Pankhurst played a militant role in helping gain women’s right to vote. Through the political action of the WSPU (Women’s Social and Political Union), she led a group of passionate women, who were willing to take drastic action.

Considered by many as the greatest monarch in English history, Elizabeth became queen in 1558 at the age of 25 and was known to be quick-witted, clever, as well as being ruthless and calculating as any king before her.

Probably known as the most famous and accomplished scientist of all time, Albert Einstein’s image can be recognised around the globe. However, Einstein was not always considered a genius. He got poor marks during his school years.

Known as the most famous martial artist of the 21st century, Bruce Lee was also an actor, filmmaker and revolutionary thinker, Lee created his own martial arts style called ’Jeet Kune Do’ meaning ‘The way of the intercepting fist.’

It is a success that was never expected for a dyslexic, near-sighted boy. In fact, school was a nightmare for Richard, he was embarrassed by his dyslexia as he had to memorize and recite word for word in public.

lying solo across the Atlantic, Amelia Earhart was given the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross for being the first female to set this record. She was an American aviation pioneer, as well as becoming a bestselling author. She used her fame to promote two causes that were very important to her: the advancement of women, as well as the advancement of commercial aviation. During an attempt
to circumnavigate the globe she suddenly disappeared, never to be seen again.

Larger than life, Muhammad Ali was first famous for his boxing, celebrated for his style and witty pre-fight talk. His other causes, such as social and political campaigning transformed him into one of the most iconic stars on the planet.

Famous for his inspiring and motivating speeches, dogged
determination and refusal to give in. Winston Churchill was Britain’s prime minister for most of World War II.

Known for his ‘V for victory’ sign, Churchill led Britain through the Blitz, as well as the Battle of Britain.

In 1955 Rosa Parks helped initiate the civil rights movement in the United States when she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a bus. The day Rosa Parks was tried and convicted of violating the segregation laws, the leaders of the local black community organised a bus boycott, which lasted more than a year. During the boycott, the U.S. Supreme court ruled that the bus segregation was unconstitutional. Consequently, Rosa Parks has become recognised as a symbol of dignity and strength to end racial segregation.

Marie Curie’s contribution towards the fight against cancer is remembered because of her discovery of radium and polonium treatment. Curie was the first woman to make such a significant contribution in the field of science...

It took Edison thousands of attempts. When a newspaper reporter asked Thomas Edison how he felt about his 10,000 failures, Edison replied:

"I have not failed 10,000 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 10,000 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work."

Paula Radcliffe is a former world champion in the marathon, half marathon and cross country. She believes in hard work, determination and not setting herself limits in order to achieve her goals and ambitions in life. Some of her achievements are a three-time winner of the London marathon, three-time New York Marathon champion, as well as winning the 2002 Chicago Marathon.

In 2003 Paula Radcliffe became the fastest women’s marathon runner ever. With a world record time of 2 hours 15 minutes and 25 seconds.

The name Walt Disney is easily recognised by lots of children around the world. However, it was not always that way. He started his own company, known as Laugh-O-gram, to create his own short animations. Although the cartoons were popular, he had to close the company. This was not going to stop Walt Disney!