Dimitrios Golemis facts for kids
Statue of Dimitrios Golemis in Lefkada
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| Personal information | ||||||||||||||
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| Nationality |  Greece |
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| Born | 15 November 1874 Lefkada, Greece |
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| Died | 9 January 1941 (aged 66) | |||||||||||||
| Sport | ||||||||||||||
| Sport | Track running | |||||||||||||
| Event(s) | 800 metres | |||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Dimitrios Golemis (born November 15, 1874 – died January 9, 1941) was a Greek athlete. He is famous for competing in the very first modern Olympic Games. These games took place in Athens, Greece, in 1896. Golemis was a runner, specializing in middle-distance races.
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Dimitrios Golemis: An Early Olympic Runner
Dimitrios Golemis was one of the athletes who helped bring the Olympic Games back to life. He was born in Lefkada, a beautiful island in Greece. His participation in the 1896 Olympics was a big moment for sports history.
Competing in the 800 Metres Race
Golemis took part in the 800 metres running event. This race is about running two laps around a standard track.
How Did Golemis Perform in the 800m?
First, athletes ran in a qualifying round called a "heat." Golemis finished second in his heat. This was good enough to move him forward to the final race.
In the final, only three runners started the race. Another runner, Albin Lermusiaux from France, decided not to compete. Dimitrios Golemis finished in third place. Even though he was last among those who started, he still earned a medal.
Why Did Golemis Get a Bronze Medal?
At the 1896 Olympics, only the first two places received awards. The winner got a silver medal and an olive branch. The second-place finisher received a bronze medal and a laurel branch. There was no award for third place at that time.
However, many years later, the International Olympic Committee decided to update the awards. They retroactively (meaning, looking back in time) gave bronze medals to all third-place finishers. This is why Dimitrios Golemis is now officially recognized as a bronze medalist.
Golemis's Other Olympic Race: The 1500 Metres
Dimitrios Golemis also competed in the 1500 metres race. This is a longer middle-distance event, about three and three-quarter laps.
What Was His Result in the 1500m?
There was only one race for the 1500 metres event. Eight runners took part. Golemis finished in the bottom half of these runners. His exact position in this race is not clearly recorded.
Images for kids
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Statue of Dimitrios Golemis in Lefkada
