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People
Olympic Games
Spiridon Louis (1873-1940)
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Spiridon Louis {Σπυρίδων Λούης} (1873-1940). On April 10th, 1896 (March 29th according to the Julian calendar [Calendars]), Spiridon Louis, water-seller from Amarousion {Αμαρούσιον}, was the first Marathon Runner to enter the Kallimarmaron Pan-Athenian Stadium [The Stadium], thus winning this event during the first modern Olympics [500 Drachmas]. He covered the distance in 2 hours, 58 minutes and 50 seconds and ran so fast that since then, the phrase "Egine Louis" {Έγινε Λούης} (that is one "flew off like Louis") became idiomatic in colloquial Greek and is used to describe somebody who runs like hell in order to avoid, or get away from something. It is interesting to note that five out of the first six Marathon Runners, were Greek.
The young man who became a legend had dozens of offers. However, Louis denied everything. He only accepted a cart and a horse because in this way it would be easier for him to carry water from Amarousion to Athens [Place Names]. The 1896 Olympic Games were the first and only games where the legend of Athens ran. He never ran again in any games.
He was remember again in 1936. Dressed as an Evzone {Εύζων}, wearing the traditional Greek raiment that is "foustanella" {φουστανέλλα}, he was the first to enter the stadium in Berlin flying the Greek flag.
He died destitute at Marousi {Μαρούσι} on March 27th, 1940.
Spiridon Louis (1873-1940)
04-23-2004