Charilaos Vasilakos

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Competed in Intercalated Games
SexMale
Full nameCharilaos•Vasilakos
Used nameCharilaos•Vasilakos
Original nameΧαρίλαος•Βασιλάκος
BornNovember 1875 in Peiraias (Piraeus), Attiki (GRE)
Died1 December 1964 in Peiraias (Piraeus), Attiki (GRE)
AffiliationsPanellinios GS, Athina (GRE)
NOC Greece
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

A true pioneer in distance running, Charilaos Vasilakos holds the distinction of being the first person to win a marathon race. As well as studying law at the University of Athína, Vasilakos was a member of Panellinios GS sports club. In March 1896 Greece staged the first edition of the Panhellenic Games, which were used to select athletes for the first edition of the modern Olympics held a month later. Vasilakos won the marathon at the Panhellenic Games in a time of three hours and 18 minutes, becoming the first champion in the discipline in the process.

The marathon race at the 1896 Athína Olympics took place on 10 April with 17 runners taking to the start line. Vasilakos finished in second place behind compatriot Spyros Louis. The races at both the Panhellenic Games and the Olympics were run on a 40km course instead of the now-standard distance of 42.195km.

Following the Athína Olympics Vasilakos established and competed in racewalking in Greece. In 1900 he won the 1,000 metres racewalk and finished in fifth place in the 1,500 metres racewalk at the 1906 Intercalated Games. After his career in athletics Vasilakos worked in the Greek Ministry of Finance as a customs director. In 1960 King Paul of Greece awarded Vasilakos with the Gold Cross of the Order of Phoenix.

Personal Best: Mar – 3-06:03 (1896).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1896 Summer Olympics Athletics GRE Charilaos Vasilakos
Marathon, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver
1906 Intercalated Games Athletics GRE Charilaos Vasilakos
1,500 metres Race Walk, Men (Intercalated) 5