Spyridon Louis, commonly known as Spyros Louis, was a Greek watercarrier who won the first modern-day Olympic marathon at the 1896 Summer Olympics. Following his victory, he was celebrated as a national hero. A former soldier, Louis was encouraged to try out for the Olympics by his former commanding officer. After progressing through qualifying, he went on to win the inaugural Olympic marathon, beating 17 competitors. Louis later became a police officer and a farmer. Outside of his athletics career, he was arrested for forgery, of which he was acquitted after spending a year in jail. He was pictured on the 2015 Greek commemorative 2 Euro coin.
Spyridon Louis, commonly known as Spyros Louis, was a Greek watercarrier who won the first modern-day Olympic marathon at the 1896 Summer Olympics. Following his victory, he was celebrated as a national hero. A former soldier, Louis was encouraged to try out for the Olympics by his former commanding officer. After progressing through qualifying, he went on to win the inaugural Olympic marathon, beating 17 competitors. Louis later became a police officer and a farmer. Outside of his athletics career, he was arrested for forgery, of which he was acquitted after spending a year in jail. He was pictured on the 2015 Greek commemorative 2 Euro coin.
Inscription
ΤΙΜΗΣ ΕΝΕΚΕΝ
ΕΛΛΗΝΕΣ ΑΘΛΗΤΑΙ
ΤΩ ΣΠΥΡΩ ΛΟΥΗ
ΠΡΩΤΟ ΝΙΚΗΤΗ ΜΑΡΑΘΩΝΙΟΥ ΔΡΟΜΟΥ
Α' ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΩΝ ΑΓΩΝΩΝ ΑΘΗΝΩΝ 1896
ΤΟΔΕ ΤΟ ΜΝΗΜΕΙΟΝ ΑΦΙΕΡΩΣΑΝ
ΕΓΕΝΝΗΘΗ ΤΗ 12-1-1873
ΑΠΕΒΙΩΣΕ ΤΗ 26-3-1940
translation:
As a Mark of Honour
Greek Athletes
To Spyros Louis
First Winner of the Marathon Race
1st Olympic Games Athens 1896
Dedicated this Memorial
Born 12-1-1873
Died 26-3-1940
Sponsored by Ancestry
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