Ioannis Georgiadis: Greece’s first modern Olympics champion

·

Greece’s first modern Olympics winner, Ioannis Georgiadis took part in the First Olympic Games of Athens in 1896, winning Greece’s first ever gold medal. Tragically passing on May 17, 1960, his incredible achievements are remembered with every gold medal won on the Olympic stage.

Ioannis Georgiadis was born in Tripoli on March 29, 1874. He studied medicine at the University of Athens (1894-1899), while at the same time practicing fencing, first as an athlete of the Gymnastics Society of Patras (today’s Panachaiki) and then of the Athenian Club.

In 1896, he took part in the First Olympic Games of Athens and won the gold medal, undefeated, in fencing. The match took place on March 28 in the atrium of Zappeion Megaron between five swordsmen and Georgiadis defeated Georgios Iatridis (3-0), the Austrian Adolf Smal (3-2), Telemachos Karakalos (3-2) and Dane Holger Nielsen (3-2).

In 1900, while pursuing a master’s degree in Paris, he took part in the Second Olympic Games, which took place in the French capital. He was eliminated in the qualifiers due to irregular blows. His athletic career ended in 1924 at the Paris Olympics when, at the age of 50, he took part in the fencing competition without success. From 1918 to 1936 he was a member of the Greek Olympic Committee.

Ioannis Georgiadis died in Athens on May 17, 1960.

Sourced By: Sansimera

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Pope Francis dies aged 88 after 12 years leading the Catholic Church

Pope Francis has died aged 88. His papacy was marked by reform, humility, and efforts to modernise the Catholic Church.

Thousands join Archbishop Makarios of Australia for Resurrection Service in Sydney

Archbishop Makarios led the Holy Saturday Service in Kogarah, Sydney, with thousands of faithful attending the Easter celebration.

Greek Defence Minister Dendias visits Panagia Inousson for Easter

Defence Minister Dendias visits Panagia Inousson for Easter, highlighting Greece’s commitment to border security.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis reflects on faith and resilience in Easter message

Kyriakos Mitsotakis shares his 2025 Easter message, reflecting on global challenges and the enduring hope of the Resurrection.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia issues Easter Message for 2025

Archbishop Makarios of Australia has released his 2025 Easter message, reflecting on the impact of loneliness.

You May Also Like

Exterior of Saint Nicholas Shrine glows after being clad with same marble as the Parthenon

Saint Nicholas Shrine has begun to "glow" after being clad in the very same Pentelic marble as the Parthenon, atop the Acropolis in Athens.

Christina Chiotakis helps discover Australia’s first complete plesiosaur fossil

Greek Australian palaeontologist Christina Chiotakis helps discover Australia's first complete plesiosaur fossil.

Traditional Greek Recipes: Prawns with tomato and feta

Are you craving a healthy, flavour-packed Greek shrimp recipe for dinner tonight? Here's our Greek shrimp with tomato and feta recipe.