Well here is some good news, and a good deed on the part of Greece's "elite". According to reports, Lamda Development which is operated by the Latsis family is going to give 300,000 euros to keep the historical marathon cup won by Spyros Louis in Greece following a decision by the family to put it up for auction over a week ago. The silver cup was awarded to the Greek runner when he won the first Olympic marathon in (at the first modern-day Olympic games) which in 1896. Unfortunately it was placed for auction by his grandson at Christie's Auction House in London, but now, and thanks to the generosity of the Latsis family, is going to remain in Greece. His grandson, who has the same name, said he wanted the proceeds would be given to his children.
The decision to sell this symbolic cup came under heavy criticism. The younger Spyros Louis said that his family has been very proud to have the honor of looking after the trophy for the last 116 years, but he felt that looking after his children had top priority.
Just the thought of the cup being removed from Greece did not sit well with many people who regard Spyros Louis' historical race as a source of inspiration and for good reason. The Greek Ministry of Culture said it did not have the funds needed in order to keep the cup in Greece, but thanks to the Latsis family it now does, and it remains to be seen what they will do from hereafter.
Spyros Louis (1873 – 1940) was a Greek water-carrier who won the first modern-day Olympic marathon at the 1896 Summer Olympics, thereby becoming a national hero.Louis was born in the town of Marousi, which is now a suburb to the north of Athens, into a poor farmer's family. His father sold mineral water in Athens, at the time lacking a central water supply, and his son helped him by transporting .
Louis's victory set off wild celebrations in Greece, as described in the official report of the Games. He was received with full honour by Greece's King George I who apparently rose from his seat and congratulated him on his success. Some of the King’s aides-de-camp, and several members of the Committee went so far as to kiss and embrace him and Louis was then carried in triumph to the retiring room under the vaulted entrance. The scene witnessed then inside the Stadion cannot be easily described, and even foreigners were carried away by the general enthusiasm.
Reportedly, the king offered Louis any gift he would care to ask of him, and all Louis could think of was a donkey-drawn carriage to help him in his water-carrying business.
After this historical victory, Spiros Louis received gifts from many people across Greece, from items such as jewelry to a life-long free shave at the barber shop. As silly as it might sound this was a profound gift at the time. Till this day, it is still unknown if Spiros Louis accepted all these gifts, although he did take back home the carriage he had asked of the king.
Following the games, he retreated to his hometown, never again competing in running and apparently lived a quiet life working as a farmer and later on it was reported that he served as a local police officer.
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