Historical Events of August 13: A Day of Milestones
- Michael Phelps won his 23rd Olympic gold medal on August 13, 2016.
- He retired as the most decorated Olympian in history, with 23 gold medals in his career.
- His achievements in swimming have set new records that may stand for years to come.
On August 13, significant historical events unfolded across various years, marking advancements in technology, social change, and sports. In 1889, William Gray patented the coin-operated telephone, revolutionizing communication. The year 1918 saw a pivotal moment for women in the military as they were allowed to enlist in the U.S. Marines, with Sgt. Opha May Johnson becoming the first female recruit. This shift represented a broader societal change regarding women's roles during and after World War I. The political landscape also saw notable developments on this date. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter was nominated for a second term by the Democratic National Convention in New York, while in 2020, Israel and the United Arab Emirates reached a historic agreement to normalize relations, showcasing a significant diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East. Tragedy struck in 1993 when the Royal Plaza Hotel in Thailand collapsed, resulting in 137 fatalities, highlighting the importance of building safety regulations. Additionally, the music world faced a loss in 1990 when Curtis Mayfield was paralyzed by an accident, ultimately leading to his death in 1999. Sports history is rich on August 13, with milestones such as Lou Brock achieving 3,000 career hits in 1979 and Michael Phelps making history at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by becoming the most decorated Olympian. These events reflect the diverse tapestry of achievements and challenges that have shaped society over the years.