Today in History: February 21, Figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi wins gold for the US
3 minute readPublished: Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 9:00 am
Today in History: A Look Back at February 21st
Today, February 21st, marks the 52nd day of 2026, with 313 days remaining in the year. This date has seen a variety of significant events throughout history.
In 1992, American figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi secured a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, a moment of national pride. The event also saw Midori Ito of Japan take silver and fellow American Nancy Kerrigan earn bronze.
Beyond the world of sports, February 21st has been a day of political and social upheaval. In 1848, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published *The Communist Manifesto*. Later, in 1965, civil rights activist Malcolm X was assassinated. The convictions of two of the men convicted of his murder were later dismissed.
The date also marks the beginning of the Battle of Verdun in 1916, a pivotal and lengthy conflict during World War I. In 1972, President Richard Nixon initiated a historic visit to China, meeting with Mao Zedong. The following year, in 1973, an Israeli fighter plane shot down a Libyan Arab Airlines flight, resulting in the loss of most of the passengers and crew.
The Watergate scandal also left its mark on this day. In 1975, key figures in the cover-up, including John N. Mitchell, H.R. Haldeman, and John D. Ehrlichman, were sentenced to prison.
Other notable events include the dedication of the Washington Monument in 1885 and composer Gustav Mahler's final concert in 1911. In 1995, adventurer Steve Fossett completed the first solo balloon flight across the Pacific Ocean.
Today also marks the birthdays of several notable figures, including David Geffen, Tyne Daly, Anthony Daniels, William Petersen, Kelsey Grammer, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Alan Trammell, William Baldwin, Mark Kelly, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Rhiannon Giddens, Tituss Burgess, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jordan Peele, Charlotte Church, and Joe Alwyn.
BNN's Perspective:
February 21st is a day that highlights the diverse tapestry of human history. From athletic achievements to political milestones and moments of tragedy, the events of this day remind us of the complexities and the enduring impact of the past. It's a day to reflect on the progress made, the challenges faced, and the individuals who have shaped our world.
Keywords: Kristi Yamaguchi, Winter Olympics, Malcolm X, Communist Manifesto, Richard Nixon, China, Watergate, Battle of Verdun, Steve Fossett, February 21, History, Gold Medal, Assassination, Politics, Sports, Birthdays