Olympic marathon runner Spiridon ‘Spyros’ Louis will soon be featured on the Greek €2 coin.
The decision to honour the athlete was announced by the European Commission, and will mark the 75th anniversary of his death.
Winner of the first marathon of the modern Olympic era held in Greece in 1896, Louis’ name is still carried by a number of sports clubs throughout the country, including the main stadium of the Athens Olympic Sports Complex.
The coin, designed by artist George Stamatopoulos, shows Louis and the cup he was awarded against the backdrop of the Panathenaic Stadium.
An inscription reads “In Memoriam of Spyros Louis” along with the country and year of issue, and the Greek Mint.
A total of 750,000 coins will be issued before the end of year.
