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

Minns Government bets on housing boost in NSW Budget

The NSW government has unveiled its 2025–26 budget, placing a strong focus on addressing the state’s housing shortage.

Ceasefire in doubt as Iran fires fresh missiles at Israel despite Trump’s truce claim

Efforts to end hostilities between Iran and Israel remain uncertain, after US President Donald Trump claimed a ceasefire was agreed.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia joins global outcry over deadly church bombing in Syria

Archbishop Makarios of Australia has condemned the suicide bombing at the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elijah in Damascus, Syria.

State of emergency declared as wildfires ravage Chios for second day

Wildfires continued to ravage Chios for a second consecutive day, prompting mass evacuations and the declaration of a state of emergency.

Trump claims Israel and Iran agree to ‘complete and total’ ceasefire

US President Donald Trump has announced what he described as a “Complete and Total” ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

You May Also Like

Pizza Haven: The Cypriot migrant story behind one of SA’s iconic fast food outlets

In a special series, The Advertiser is taking a look back at some of the state's most iconic fast food outlets and Pizza Haven has featured.

Linda Cassimatis awarded for over 15 years of service to four public school communities

Linda Cassimatis was given the Cook Award by Australia’s Prime Minister for volunteering on four public school P&C executive committees.

Greek MP Nikos Papadopoulos censured and fined after vandalising artworks in Athens

Greek MP Nikos Papadopoulos has been censured by Parliament following his vandalism of artworks at the National Gallery in Athens.