Athens 1896: John BOLAND from Great Britain winner of the singles and doubles tennis events during the Games of the I Olympiad. Credit: IOC Olympic Museum Collections

Other names: BOLAND, John Pius

Born: 16 September 1870

Deceased: 17 March 1958

Birthplace: N/A

Nationality: Great Britain

Sport: Tennis

ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Athens 1896

AWARDS

Olympic medals:

Gold: 2

The Spectator Who Won an Olympic Championship

John Boland was an Oxford student who enjoyed the study of Greek mythology. When learned about the Olympics revival, Boland traveled to Athens to watch the Olympic Games as a spectator. However, his friend, Thrasyvoalos Manaos, Secretary of the Athens 1896 Organising Committee, entered Boland into the tennis competition.

Despite competing with leather-soled shoes with heels, Boland won the competition and became an Olympic champion. He later became a Member of Parliament and an ardent proponent of Irish independence and the Irish language.