Leon Pyrgos

Gold medal, April 7, 1896, Leon Pyrgos, foil masters. Athens 1896

Only two athletes participated in the competition, Frenchman Jean Perronet and Greek Leon Pyrgos. The former was a fencing instructor in Greece at the Athens Club, while Leon was the son of Nikos Pyrgos, who was also a fencing instructor. The two athletes met in the Zappeion, shortly after the practice foil match, and it was really a very nice match. The Greek champion took first place with three strokes for and one against his opponent, becoming the country’s first Olympic Champion in the modern Olympic Games. The final ranking: Pyrgos (Greece) Perronet (France)