Runner in the ancient Greek Olympics
Orsippus (‹See Tfd›Greek: Ὄρσιππος) was a Greek runner from Megara who was famed as the first to run the footrace naked at the Olympic Games and "first of all Greeks to be crowned victor naked."[1][2] Others argue that it was Acanthus instead who first introduced Greek athletic nudity. Orsippus won the stadion of the 15th Olympic Games in 720 BC.
Later, as a general, Orsippus conquered a neighboring territory for Megara,[2] which had recently become independent from Corinth. This accomplishment is commemorated by an epigram inscribed on the base of his statue erected by the Megarians in obedience to a Delphic response.[3]
Orsippus was buried near Coroebus, Elis.[2]
References
- ^ W. Sweet. Sport and Recreation in Ancient Greece, 1987; p. 125.
- ^ a b c Pausanias, 1.44.1.
- ^ Thomas J. Figueira, Table: Archaic Megara, 800-500 B.C.. The Center for Hellenic Studies, Harvard University (originally published in 1985 by The Johns Hopkins University Press).
