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 (154thOlympiad)
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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