5 Top Ancient Greek Olympians

PLUS CWL Magazine: Ancient Athletes

Dear Classical Wisdom Member, 

The topic of today’s issue and Classical Wisdom Litterae magazine probably doesn’t need any introduction or explanation. After all, one of the largest, most famous sporting events is about to commence... With over three billion eyes on the greatest athletes from every corner of the earth, the Olympics has the ability to unite, divide and entertain all at once. 

It also just happens to be one of the more renowned cultural phenomenons from the ancient world. While it hasn’t been continuously running, this international sport event draws its inspiration straight from the 8th century BC. 

Of course, we’ll be delving into many aspects of the ancient Olympics over the next week, including the role of religion, popular events and, in today’s column, the 5 most famous Greek Olympians from the Classical world. Who was the first? The most impressive? The happiest and the saddest? Check out our Top Five list below. 

Also included is a full Classical Wisdom Litterae magazine dedicated to ancient Sport in general. From boxing and chariot races to martial arts and even Olympics specifically for women, Classical Wisdom Members can delve into this important aspect of ancient Greece and Rome, right after the article.

Enjoy!

All the best,

Anya Leonard

Founder and Director

Classical Wisdom

Keen to understand and appreciate ancient sport? Find out how it’s like its modern equivalents -and how it wasn’t- in today’s feature article and Classical Wisdom Litterae Magazine! If you aren’t a member, make sure to join our community today: 

5 Top Ancient Greek Olympians

By Ben Potter

In a our world where are mainstream sporting heroes are millionaires, prima donnas, sex-offenders, and drug-cheats, the Olympics, can provide countries the world over with real sporting icons, icons worthy of that over- and misused term ‘role-model’.

However, the glory that our gold-medallists enjoy nowadays pales into insignificance when compared to that of the ancient winners.

This was because the games were only open to those from the Greek-speaking world. Moreover, there were merely a handful, rather than hundreds, of events, and it would have been quite likely that the victors would have returned to their pre-fame lives after the games – there were no sponsorship deals on offer then!

That’s not to say the winners of the Ancient Olympics didn’t enjoy their fair share of recompense. While they were rarely entitled to anything by law, the proud polis would often honor their returning hero with money, food and other such perks.

So, who were these noble competitors who fought to be the greatest physical specimens of The Greatest Civilization? Let’s have a look at some of them, shall we?

5. Coroebus of Elis – the first

A humble cook who grew up near the sanctuary of Olympia, Coroebus was the first man whom we can definitely say was an ‘Olympic champion’. He won the only event at the very first recorded Games in 776 BC – the stadion (which was an approximately 200 meters run).

4. Leonidas of Rhodes – the most prolific

Leonidas was the most successful Olympian ever.

Leonidas won the stadion, diaulos (circa.400 meters) and the hoplitodromos (a diaulos carrying 59lbs of armour) at each of the 164 BC, 160 BC, 156 BC and 152 BC games.

These twelve individual first-place finishes (the last of which he achieved at age 36) narrowly surpasses the 11 golds of Michael Phelps… It should be noted that while Phelps did technically win more golds overall, some of those were in relays… and none while wearing battle armour. (Simone Biles has famously beat Michael Phelps’ record… but also wasn’t wearing armour.)

3. Diagoras of Rhodes – the happiest

Rhodes’ second favourite son, Diagoras, was considered not only the happiest Olympian, but the happiest man in the world!

Descended from heroic royalty, Diagoras won the Olympic boxing crown twice. As if this weren’t enough to raise a smile, his eldest son twice triumphed in the brutal pankration. On the second occasion, in 448 BC, Diagoras’ second son simultaneously triumphed in the boxing.

Hoist aloft on the shoulders of his progeny, a wag in the crowd called out “Die, Diagoras; you will not also ascend to Olympus”. The humour of which was probably only appreciated later, as Diagoras promptly dropped dead on the spot.

diagoras of rhodes statue carried at the entrance to the Rhodes town

2. Astylos of Croton – the saddest

A runner of great renown, Astylos was a highly controversial figure…