Spiridon Louis

Spiridon "Spiros" Louis (January 12, 1873 – March 26, 1940) was a Greek water-carrier who won the first modern-day Marathon at the 1896 Summer Olympics, thereby becoming a national hero.

Related Topics:
January 12 - 1873 - March 26 - 1940 - Greek - Marathon - 1896 Summer Olympics

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Louis was born in the town of Marousi, which is now a suburb to the north of Athens, into a poor farmer's family. His name is transcribed from the Greek in various ways; his given name is also seen as Spyridon (Spyros) and his family name as Loues. Louis's father sold mineral water in Athens, at the time devoid of a central water supply, and his son helped him by transporting it.

Related Topics:
Marousi - Athens

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