Spiridon "Spyros" Louis (Greek:Σπυρίδων "Σπύρος" Λούης, sometimes transliterated Loues; 12 January 1873 – 26 March 1940) was a Greek water-carrier who won the first modern-day Olympic marathon at the 1896 Summer Olympics, thereby becoming a national hero.
Louis was born in the town of Marousi, which is now a suburb to the north of Athens, into a poor family. Louis's father sold mineral water in Athens, at the time lacking a central water supply, and his son helped him by transporting it.
Preparation
After the decision to revive the Olympic Games in 1894, preparations were made to organise the first modern Olympics in Athens. One of the races would be the marathon, an event which had never been held before. It had been suggested by Frenchman Michel Bréal, who was inspired by the legend of the messenger Phidippides, who had run from the town of Marathon to Athens to announce the Athenian victory in the Battle of Marathon.
The Greeks were very enthusiastic about this new event and decided to stage qualifying races for would-be Greek participants. These were organised by an army colonel, Papadiamantopoulos, who had been Louis' commanding officer during his military service (1893–1895). The first qualifying race—the first ever marathon race—was held on 22 March, and was won by Charilaos Vasilakos in 3 hours, 18 minutes. Louis participated in the second qualifying race, two weeks later. Papadiamantopoulos, who knew Louis' running talents, had convinced him to try out. Louis crossed the line in fifth place, behind winner Dimitrios Deligiannis.
And when a Greek water carrier named Spyridon Louis was first to enter the stadium, a new national hero was born ...The New York Times ’ 1896 story on Spyridon Louis’s victory took “the risk of ...
And when a Greek water carrier named Spyridon Louis was first to enter the stadium, a new national hero was born ...The New York Times ’ 1896 story on Spyridon Louis’s victory took “the risk of ...
OlympicsTriviaQuestions and Answers. 1. Question. In which country did the Olympics originate?. Answer. Greece. 2. Question ... Answer. Every four years. 3. Question ... Answer ... Spyridon Louis ... Louis Zamperini ... Louis coincided with which other major event in the city?.
... Spyros Louis, enters first at Panathenaikon Stadium ... Spyridon Louis, who won the Marathon, and the Australian accountant Edwin Flack emerged as the most important figures in the first modern-day games.
The silver cup awarded to Spyros Louis, winner of the marathon race ... This particular cup, won by Greek marathon runner Spyridon Louis, was designed by FrenchmanMichel Breal, hence the cup's nickname.
Spyridon Louis’ MarathonVictory (1896). Spyridon Louis, a Greek water carrier, won the marathon race in 1896, a monumental moment for the host nation. Louis’s historic win at the 1896 Marathon race.
Bréal's specially commissioned silver cup that was awarded to marathon winner Spyridon Louis is on show for the first time in Paris courtesy of a loan from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation in Athens.
... Advertisement ... Image credit ... The first marathon took place on April 10, 1896, and was won by a Greek water carrier called Spyridon Louis who completed the race in 2 hours 58 minutes, and 50 seconds ... Louis was 39.9 kilometers (24.85 miles) ... .
Spyridon Louis, a previously unrecognised water carrier, won the event to become the only Greek athletics champion and a national hero ... Spyridon Louis (born January 12, 1873, Marousi , Greece—died March 26, 1940).
Bréal Cup was awarded to Spyridon Louis in 1896 ... It was awarded to a Greek water carrier called Spyridon Louis, who was the first-ever winner of the marathon race, invented by the French linguist Michel Bréal for the inaugural modern Games in 1896.
Spyridon Louis was born in Marousi, north of Athens, on January 12, 1873 ... Spyridon helped him by transporting the water, earning him the nickname “water carrier.“ ... Spyridon Louis passed away on March 26, 1940, in Maroussi.
As a former soldier, Spyridon Louis’ victory served as a powerful symbol of Greek national pride, determination, and endurance, capturing the hearts of his compatriots and people around the world.
At the first modern Olympics of 1896, in Athens, home runner Spyridon Belokas appeared briefly to have completed a Greek clean sweep behind the now-legendary winner Spyridon Louis until it was found ...
Aiken Standard
29 Jul 2024
Aiken Standard
29 Jul 2024