Spyridon Louis
Greek marathon runner, Olympic champion
Born
January 12th, 1873
152 years ago
Died
March 26th, 1940
85 years ago — 67 years old
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
Greece
Links & References
A legendary figure in athletics, this individual gained fame as a marathon runner. In the inaugural modern Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896, he achieved notable success by winning the marathon event. This victory marked a significant moment in Olympic history, as it was the first marathon competition in the modern era. His win inspired a national sense of pride and showcased the revival of the Olympic tradition. The marathon distance of 40 kilometers, which this athlete completed, was that of the ancient Greek messenger Pheidippides.
Won the marathon at the 1896 Athens Olympics
Completed the race in a time of 2:58:50
Became a symbol of national pride in Greece
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