Greek NEWS

On This Day in 1940, soldier and Olympic Gold Medalist Spyros Louis dies

Published by
Athens Bureau

Born in Marousi in the North of Athens on January 12, 1873, Spyridon Louis was a Greek soldier and later won the Gold Medal in the Marathon at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.

Born into a poor family, Louis was a water carrier for his father.

Following his Gold Medal victory, the King told Louis he could have whatever he wanted and all he had to do was ask, to which Louis replied – a donkey to help me carry the water.

Spyridon Louis.

Spyros Louis became a national hero and celebrity, but he mostly shunned the spotlight, deciding instead to live a quiet life on his farm.

The Olympic Stadium in Athens is named in his honour.

He died on March 26, 1940.

READ MORE: Greece’s new Olympic team uniforms for Tokyo 2020 unveiled.

Ads1

Ads1
Athens Bureau

Recent Posts

81-Year-Old Man Arrested for Inappropriate Conduct Near Piraeus Primary School

Police in Piraeus have taken an 81-year-old man into custody after he was observed engaging…

1 hour ago

Where Does Greece Rank? Global Study Reveals Average Hip Sizes

A recent global study by GitNux revealed the average hip sizes of women across 17…

2 hours ago

EU Plans Stricter Migration Measures for 2025, Greece Highlights Security Focus

Greece's migration minister announced on Tuesday that the European Union plans to implement stricter migration…

2 hours ago

Lockheed Martin Delivers 30th Upgraded F-16 Viper to Hellenic Air Force

Lockheed Martin has delivered the 30th upgraded F-16 Viper to the Hellenic Air Force, marking…

2 hours ago

Greek Court Orders Extradition of Israeli Billionaire Beny Steinmetz on Romanian Corruption Charges

Beny Steinmetz, the Israeli mining magnate, was convicted for his role in a scheme to…

2 hours ago

Women’s Rugby is Back

As part of the ongoing growth of women's sports, AEK is excited to announce the…

2 hours ago