Some Case Studies on How Media Constructs Olympic Legends (Case Study‪)‬

I was pleased to hear I have the opportunity to write about "Olympic legends." I always argued fought against many of these legends, which are often just fairytales, and always tried to show the sometimes more scholarly correct view of the reality. Due to the fast speed of changes, this was often an effort in vain. A lot of our journalistic colleagues simply and quickly copy their facts from Olympic books, which appeared 20 years ago. It should not be forgotten, that the facts were sometimes, indeed often, correctly described in scientific publications. Even then, we should not give up our quest for veracity. Sometimes historical facts "finally push through." In Olympic history it is difficult to find so many myths and stories talking as those attached to the Olympic marathon champion of 1896, and, indeed, the marathon itself. Consider the well known picture of Spiridon Louis in an Evzones uniform, taken following his victory. There must be a rule somewhere in the Olympic Charta. I have not found it yet, that dictates that Olympic Marathons always have to take place in the heat of August. The poor athletes are forced to bear the 35-40 degrees. In 1896 the Games took place in April 10th and it was bitterly cold. Even the rowing competitions were cancelled the day before. It was definitely not the first marathon. In England runs of 25 or 26 miles were not a rarity. Louis, with his 2:48:50, did not run a world record; this was already postulated since 1885 with 2:39:39. It is not true, that Louis became tired during the run and that he took a rest under a tree to have a fifteen minute nap, or went into a coffee shop (Kafeneion) for a fifteen minutes break, drank a rezina (Greek wine) and had a chat with the guests about his winning chances. What, for a World Record, would have occurred, if this was true?