Konstantinos Tsiklitiras
Greek athlete (1888–1913)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Konstantinos "Kostis" Tsiklitiras (Greek: Κωνσταντίνος "Κωστής" Τσικλητήρας; 30 October 1888 – 10 February 1913) was a Greek athlete and Olympic champion.[1][2]
Konstantinos Tsiklitiras competing at standing high jump at the 1912 Olympics | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Native name | Κωνσταντίνος Τσικλητήρας |
| Nickname | Kostas (Κώστας) |
| Born | 30 October 1888 |
| Died | 10 February 1913 (aged 24) |
| Height | 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Weight | 81 kg (179 lb) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Greece |
Branch |  Hellenic Army |
Rank | Private |
Conflicts | |
| Sport | |
| Country | Greece |
| Sport | Jumping |
| Club | Panellinios GS, Athina |
Born in Pylos, he moved to Athens in 1905 to study medicine.[3] Tsiklitiras soon took up sports and joined Panellinios GS. He practised football with Panellinios and Panathinaikos (he was the first goalkeeper of Panathinaikos) and water polo, but is best remembered for winning four Olympic medals in standing long jump and standing high jump in the 1908 and 1912 Summer Olympics.[3] He was Greek champion 19 times.
His career stopped in 1913 when he volunteered to fight in the Balkan Wars. Although he could avoid conscription, he insisted on fighting for his country and fought at the Battle of Bizani. He contracted meningitis and died in Athens at the age of 24.[4] His family home still exists in Pylos and holds a museum of his athletic achievements.[5][6] There is a marble statue in front.
