Milo of Croton
Milo or Milon of Croton (late 6th century BC) was the most famous of Greek athletes in Antiquity.In the four Olympic Games in which he represented his city he went undefeated in the sport of wrestling. He proudly displayed his four wreaths as he walked the streets and was a hero to his fellow townspeople.
He was most likely a historical person, as he is mentioned by many classical authors, among them Pausanias, Cicero and the author of the Suda, but there are many legendary stories surrounding him. Legend has it that he would train in the off years by carrying a newborn calf on his back every day until the Olympics took place. By the time the events were to take place, he was carrying a four year old cow on his back.
Milon seemed to think he was Heracles, and like Heracles he wore a lion-skin cloak and carried a club. Another legend says that he offered to cut down a large tree for a woodsman, who was grateful for the help and promised to return with food later in the day. However, the woodsman never returned, and while Milon was working the tree collapsed on his hand, trapping him. The legend says that Milon was then eaten by wolves.
Second version:
Milo of Kroton was a legendary wrestler in Ancient Greece, born in the Greek colony of Kroton in Southern Italy. He was a six time Olympic victor; once for Boys Wrestling in 540 BC at the 60th Olympics, and five time wrestling champion at the 62nd through 66th Olymipads. Milo kept on competing, even well after what would have been considered a normal Olympic Athlete's prime: by the 67 Olympiad, he would have been over 40 years of age.
Many legends exist about Milo and his legendary strength. Ancient sources report he would show off his strength by holding his arm out, with fingers outstretched, and no man could even bend his little finger. He would sometimes stand on a greased iron disk, and challenge people to push him off of it. Other sources speak of him holding a pomegranate in one hand, and daring others to take it from him. Nobody ever could, and despite him holding the fruit very tightly, it was never damaged. Milo was also an excellent warrior, and led the town of Kroton to victory against the attack of a neighboring town.
None of these accomplishments saved him from his end: one day, walking through the woods, he found wedges from a tree cutter stuck into a tree, and proceeded to stick his hands and maybe feet into the cleft of the tree, with the hope of splitting the wood. After freeing the wedges, the tree closed onto his hands, trapping him. He succombed to wild beasts.External links