LEONWAS OF RHODES

Surname: Leonidas of Rhodes
Date and place of birth: 2nd century BC in Rhodes, Greece
Nationality: Greek
Achievements: 12 titles at the Olympic Games in Olympia

Leonidas of Rhodes is unquestionably the most famous runner of antiquity. In 164 BC, he won the three races on the programme of the Olympic Games: the stadium, the diaulos and the race in armour. While the first two of these favoured sprinters, the race ii armour required strength and endurance, which demonstrates the talent of Leonidas.
He made his name ii the history books by repeating this achievement at three editions of the Games. His total of 12 victories was never equalled at the ancient Games.