Michel Théato

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Olympic medalist
Michel Théato
Medal record
Men's Athletics
Gold	1900 Paris	Marathon

Michel Johann Théato (March 22, 1878–1919) was a Luxembourgian athlete, and the winner of the marathon at the 1900 Olympics in Paris.

Little is known about Théato, who worked as a baker's delivery boy in Paris. He won the race, then measured at 40,260 m and held under very hot circumstances, in just under three hours. However, his victory was not undisputed, as several runners, notably American Arthur Newton, claimed that Théato had taken shortcuts, helped by his knowledge of the Parisian streets through his occupation.

For a long while, it was assumed that Théato was French, and only in the late 20th century it was discovered that he was really from Luxembourg, making him the first Olympic medallist from this country.

Olympic champions in men's marathon

1896: Spiridon Louis | 1900: Michel Théato | 1904: Thomas J. Hicks | 1906: William Sherring | 1908: Johnny Hayes | 1912: Kenneth McArthur | 1920: Hannes Kolehmainen | 1924: Albin Stenroos | 1928: Boughera El Ouafi | 1932: Juan Carlos Zabala | 1936: Sohn Kee-chung | 1948: Delfo Cabrera | 1952: Emil Zátopek | 1956: Alain Mimoun | 1960: Abebe Bikila | 1964: Abebe Bikila | 1968: Mamo Wolde | 1972: Frank Shorter | 1976: Waldemar Cierpinski | 1980: Waldemar Cierpinski | 1984: Carlos Lopes | 1988: Gelindo Bordin | 1992: Hwang Young-Cho | 1996: Josia Thugwane | 2000: Gezahegne Abera | 2004: Stefano Baldini