Historical Events
- American breaststroker Rebecca Soni avenges her defeat to Leisel Jones of Australia in the 100m when she swims world record 2:20.22 to beat Jones in 200m at the Beijing Olympics
World Record
An American 1-2 in the 200m backstroke at the Beijing Olympics with Ryan Lochte swimming a world record 1:53.94 to beat teammate Aaron Peirsol
- Despite China winning the women's gymnastics team all-round gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, Americans Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson go 1-2 in the individual all-round
- German swimmer Britta Steffen beats Australian Libby Trickett by 0.04 to win the blue ribband 100m freestyle gold medal at the Beijing Olympics
- Lee Berger and his nine-year-old son, Matthew, discover the two-million-year-old fossils of a new species of human ancestor (Australopithecus sediba) at Malapa Cave, South Africa
Famous Deaths
- James Orthwein, American businessman (owner of the New England Patriots), dies at 84
- Jerry Wexler, American music producer who coined the term "rhythm and blues" (Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan), dies from congestive heart failure at 91
- Leroy Sievers, American journalist (CBS News, Nightline), dies of cancer at 53
- Vic Toweel, South African boxer (undisputed world bantamweight champion), dies at 79
Died in 2008 2008 Highlights
About August 15, 2008
Day of the Week: Friday
How Long Ago? 15 years, 8 months and 13 days
Leap Year: Yes
Generation: Generation Z
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Leo
Holidays: Independence Day (India)
Music Charts
#1 Song: I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry
