In 1896 he became a national hero in Greece by winning the first modern-day Olympic marathon.
All in Sports
The Agony of Defeat
Today was the day that Yugoslavian ski jumper, Vinko Bogataj, wiped out in spectacular fashion during a competition in Oberstdorf, West Germany.
The Bunion Derby
At 3:30 PM on this day, 199 runners left Los Angeles for the first Transcontinental Foot Race. The first man to make it to New York City would win $25,000.
The Ballard Gutter Ball
Drew Ballard was on the verge of beating the great Pete Weber. He had just rolled 2 strikes and only needed to knock down 7 pins for the win and a $150,000 payday.
The Theft of Shergar
On this foggy night, Shergar, the famous racehorse and stud was stolen.
First Golf Shot on the Moon
After a couple of slices, Shepard connected on a shot that according to him flew for "miles and miles and miles."
Champ Talks Man Off the Ledge
A Vietnam vet threatens to jump off a building and Muhammad Ali swings into action.
Leon Spinks is Mugged
In the early morning hours of this day, former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks was attacked and robbed of $45,000 worth of jewelry, clothing and other items.
The First Sudden Death
Many believe that the "Greatest Game Ever" was played on this day.
The Miracle Bowl
One of the most dramatic comebacks in college football history happened on this day.
The Flying Lawnmower Incident
A 40-pound airplane shaped like a lawnmower took off from the endzone and veered over the crowd.
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
In 1996 Richard Jewell saved countless lives while working as a security guard during the Atlanta Olympics. A suspicious package he discovered contained the largest pipe-bomb in American history.
Manolete
On the day he died, the greatest matdor faced a venerable opponent descended from a deadly line of Miura bulls.
The Pine Tar Incident
It was the top of the 9th, and the Kansas City Royals were down 4-3 to the Yankees. George Brett cracked a 2-run homer to take a 5 to 4 lead at Yankee Stadium. New York's manager, Billy Martin, approached the umpire and requested that he take a closer look at Brett's bat.
All-American Hero
One by one, three boys fell off the underwater cliff. None of them could swim, and neither could Joe Delaney.
Isner and Mahut
In the world's longest tennis match, John Isner defeated Nicoloas Mahut in the first round at Wimbledon after 11 hours and 5 minutes of play that stretched over 3 days and 183 games.
Almost Perfect
For over 90 years baseball fans have debated whether or not Ernie Shore should get credit for a perfect game.
Wardrobe Malfunction
It was on this day during halftime of Super Bowl XXXVIII that 90 million viewers were shocked and awed by Janet Jackson's breast.