Konstantinos Tsiklitiras

Who was Konstantinos Tsiklitiras?

Konstantinos Tsiklitiras was a Greek athlete and Olympic champion.

Born in Pylos, he moved to Athens to study commerce. Tsiklitiras soon took up sports. He practiced soccer and water polo, but is best remembered for winning four Olympic medals in standing long jump and standing high jump. He became Greek champion 19 times.

His career came to a halt in 1913 when he volunteered to fight in the Balkan Wars and fought at the Battle of Bizani, although he could avoid conscription he insisted on fighting for his country. He contracted meningitis and died at the age of 24. His family home still exists in Pylos, Greece, it is functioning as a museum of his athletic achievements, and is adorned by his marble statue in front of it.