 |
|
Diagoras of Rhodes (Διαγόρας
ο Ῥόδιος) was a famous and virtuous Greek athlete. In the 5th century BC, Diagoras
won twice in the Olympic games, four times in the Isthmian, twice in the
Nemean, and once in the Pythian games. His
victories and his righteous elegance that embodied the Olympic spirit were the
reasons the poet Pindar immortalized him
as a “fair-fighter and a gigantic man who walks a straight course on a
road that hates arrogance”. Outstanding athleticism and dignity were of
equal importance to ancient Greeks. According
to a legend he was the son of Hermes something that could explain his
super-human athletic achievements. His
three sons and his grandsons from his two daughters were Olympic champions
too. According to a story one of his
daughters had to dress as a man to observe her son’s victory, as women were not
allowed in the Olympic games.
|
 |
|
Two
of his sons celebrated their victory by carrying their father around the
stadium in Olympia on their shoulders, cheered loudly by the
adoring crowd, which showered them with flowers congratulating Diagoras about
his sons. Diagoras glory and even more having his glory matched
and surpassed by his children was considered the peak of happiness that a human
could experience. Legend has it that
Diagoras died while he was carried on his sons’ shoulders. He has since been considered the happiest
mortal that ever lived.
|
