Acanthus of Sparta

Acanthus the Lacedaemonian (Ancient Greek: Ἄκανθος^[1]), was the victor in two footrace events, the diaulos (δίαυλος) and dolichos (δόλιχος), in the Olympic Games of 720 BC.^[2] He was also, according to some accounts, the first who ran naked in these games.^[3][4][5] Other accounts ascribe this to Orsippus the Megarian. Thucydides says that the Lacedaemonians were the first who contended naked in gymnastic games, although he does not mention Acanthus by name.^[6]

Acanthus of Sparta

Personal information
Born	Sparta, Laconia
Sport
Event(s)	Diaulos and Dolichos
Medal record Ancient Greek Olympics Representing Laconia Olympic Games 720 BC Olympia Diaulos 720 BC Olympia Dolichos