Olympic Game winners, Olympionics, were awarded a wreath of olive branches cut in the sacred grove of Altis. Olympionics became heroes in their native cities. They were experienced in for eternal glory not only in their home town, but also throughout the Ancient Greek world. The Game participants competed enthusiastically and, most importantly, honestly. In addition to Coroebus, the names of several other great champions were preserved for posterity. For example, the legendary Milon of Kroton, the disciple of the great Pythagoras, won seven top awards, all in wrestling. It is hard to believe, but this athlete wrestled in the Olympic Games for 28 years! Olympionic An example of an entire dynasty of Olympionics is the family of Diagoras from the island of Rhodes: Diagoras, his sons and later on his grandsons competed in the Olympic Games for over 80 years! They participated in twenty Games and won nine Olympic wreathes for their sun-drenched island!
There is an interesting legend about this family. Kallipateira, daughter of the same Diagoras that you just read about above, was keen to witness her son's Olympic glory. She sneaked into the spectators' stand disguised as a coach. After her son's victory, the happy mother forgot everything and rushed to the pitch. It was then that her secret had been discovered. Taking into consideration the glorious record of her family, referees did not punish the ambitious Mom. To prevent a repeat of this incident the referees decreed that athletes, coaches and spectators arrive naked for the Games. 11