Starting from the 20th century, Greece began to actively infiltrate the modern world culture, trying by leaps and bounds to make up for everything that was lost during the Turkish occupation.
This applies not only to literature, art and public life, but also to sports — with independence, there was an active development of youth movements that promoted an active lifestyle. Many world-famous Greek athletes have grown up on such fertile soil.
Dimitrios Lundras is a famous Greek gymnast who took part in the 1st modern Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal. What sets Dimitrios apart from a long line of athletes is the fact that he was only 10 years and 218 days old when he received the award, making him the youngest participant and winner of the Games in history.
Dimas Pirros is a world famous Greek weightlifter who holds the title of European champion, three-time world champion and three-time Olympic winner. Dimas has 11 world records, and his name is forever inscribed in the Weightlifting Hall of Fame.
Luis Spiros is the first participant in the modern Olympic Games who managed to win a gold medal in a marathon race. After the victory, Louis became the national hero of Greece, and his record was broken only 12 years later. Even today, Greece remembers its hero well – the stadium that hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2004 Olympics bears his name.