ATHLETES
MILO OF KROTON
Victorious Wrestler
Milo of Kroton is known as one of the greatest ancient Olympic champions
of his time. He was victorious in the wrestling event six times, one
championship in boy's wrestling (540 BC) and the other five in the men's
division (532-516 BC).
He was known as a great warrior and citizen. Legends say that he once
saved his friends from death by supporting the central pillar in a
room where the roof was collapsing until his friends got out
safely. He even is said to have died in a legendary manner.
Testing his strength in the woods, he came upon a tree trunk with
wedges inserted into them. He inserted his hands and feet into
these wedges and pulled as hard as he could. The tree collapsed on
his hands and he was trapped, becoming the food of wild prey.
DIAGORAS OF RHODES
Two Boxers Hand in Hand
A one time boxing Olympic champion, Diagoras of Rhodes was a legend of his
time. He was an extremely large man, but was also known as a very fair
fighter who held all of the Olympic ideals very close to his heart. His
two sons, Damegetos and Akousilaos were also Olympic boxing greats. His
bloodline spanned three generations of Olympic champions starting with
him.
THEAGENES OF THASOS
Olympic Runner
Theagenes of Thasos has one of the most intreresting stories of all the
famous ancient Olympic athletes. At the age of nine while walking in the
marketplace of Thasos, Theagenes stopped to admire a bronze statue
depicting a God. He loved it so much that he tore the statue ouut of the
ground and brought it home. The boy had to bring it back to its original
home or face the death penalty. Theagenes went on to win crowns in
boxing, pankration, and running.
MELANKOMAS OF CARIA
Athlete seated, awaiting event
A boxer known for his looks equally as much as his athletic prowness,
Melankomas won the Boxing event in the 207th Olympiad in 49 AD. He was
known to be the bravest of all the competitors and had a very unique
boxing style. In his entire career he never once hit an opponent or was
hit by an oppenent. He would defend himself from the punches of his
competitors until they would become frustrated and lose composure. He
knew he could end a match with one blow, but elected to box his style to
show off his endurance and strength. Even on his death bed he was quoted
as asking how many more days were left in the games. He was a true
athlete even until the day he died.