Leonidas of Rhodes (runner)
Leonidas became famous and was eventually deified for his victories in the stade, the diaulos, and the race in armor (hoplite race).  Historical testimonies refer to him as the athlete who ran with a diabolic speed. Leonidas was victorious in all three events in four successive Olympiads, a unique achievement. This is particularly amazing because the three events were all running events. It is more difficult for a runner to have endurance and speed over this period of time (four Olympiads) than it is for a wrestler or a boxer to maintain his strength. For this reason, the accomplishments of Leonidas were more renowned than those of others who were victorious in successive Olympiads in heavy events.
Leonidas' first Olympic victories took place in 164 BC (154th Olympiad) and again in 160 BC, 156 BC and finally in 152 BC, when, at the age of 36, he gave his island three more victories and was deified by his fellow citizens.
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