S4E8 - The Ancient Olympics

The podcast explores legends of the Ancient Olympic Games, highlighting athletes and figures who left a mark on the competition's history. It begins by recounting the origins of the games in 776 BCE and the tradition of athletes competing nude. The discussion then turns to Leonidas of Rhodes, a record-breaking runner, and Eurychion of Figalia, a pankratist who won a match posthumously. Milo of Croton, famed for his strength training involving carrying an ox, is also featured, alongside the less heroic Roman Emperor Nero, who manipulated the games for his glory. The podcast emphasizes the Greek values of honor, glory, and love of the sport over merely winning.