ON THIS DAY

1502:

Christopher Columbus lands in what is now Costa Rica on his fourth and last voyage to the New World.

Indonesian Communists set up Sovietstyle government in Java but are forced to withdraw.

Jimi Hendrix, US rock singer and guitarist, dies of a drug overdose aged 27.

At the Sydney Olympics, Dutchman Pieter van den Hoogenband shocks Ian Thorpe to win the 200m freestyle gold, equalling his own world record of 1:45.35.

Iraq’s national carrier Iraqi Airways resumes international flights after 14 years of being grounded.

Greta Garbo, Swedish-born actress (1905-1990); James Gandolfini, US actor (19612013); Lance Armstrong, US cyclist (1971-); Louise Sauvage, Australian Paralympian (1973-).

1948: 1970: 2000: 2004: Birthdays: