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Milo of Croton

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Milo of Croton was a legendary athlete from ancient Greece.

Statue of Milo of Croton in Holland Park hand not yet stuck
Statue of Milo of Croton in Holland Park hand not yet stuck

He lived in a place called Croton. This area is in southern Italy today. Milo was a master of wrestling. He was famous for his incredible strength. People still talk about him because of his many wins. He was a hero to many in his time.

Antonio del pollaiolo, scudo con milone di crotone, 1460-65 ca. (louvre) 02
Antonio del pollaiolo, scudo con milone di crotone, 1460-65 ca. (louvre) 02

Milo used special ways to build his power. He did not just lift heavy weights. One famous way he trained was very clever. He carried a newborn calf on his back every day. As the calf grew, so did Milo's strength. Eventually, he could carry a four-year-old cow. He even carried an adult cow across a stadium.

Suvée, Joseph-Benoit - Milo of Croton
Suvée, Joseph-Benoit - Milo of Croton

His career in the Olympic Games lasted a long time. Milo won the Olympics seven different times. He first won for boys' wrestling in 540 BC. This happened during the 60th Olympics. Later, he won five more times for wrestling. He competed during the 62nd to the 66th Olympics. He was over 40 years old by the 67th Olympics. He also took part in the Pythian Games.

Calvet,sculptures010 DESPREZ Louis Milon de Crotone 1834b
Calvet,sculptures010 DESPREZ Louis Milon de Crotone 1834b

Many stories tell us about his amazing feats. Milo loved to show people what he could do. He once stood on a greased iron disk. He challenged people to try and push him off. He also held a pomegranate in one hand. He held the fruit very tightly. No one could take it without damaging it. He even challenged people to bend his little finger. No one ever succeeded in doing that.

Suvée, Joseph-Benoit - Milo of Croton
Suvée, Joseph-Benoit - Milo of Croton

Legend says Milo's strength led to a sad end. He tried to split a tree stump with his hands. He put his fingers in a crack in the wood. The wedges fell out and trapped his fingers. He could not get free from the stump. While he waited, a lion or wolves found him.

Calvet,sculptures010 DESPREZ Louis Milon de Crotone 1834b
Calvet,sculptures010 DESPREZ Louis Milon de Crotone 1834b

This story became a famous subject for artists. Sculptors used his struggle to show off their skill. They made many statues and paintings of this moment. Many famous writers also recorded his life and his deeds.

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🖼️ Images & Media (4)
File:Suvée, Joseph-Benoit - Milo of Croton.jpg
Suvée, Joseph-Benoit - Milo of Croton.jpg
File:Calvet,sculptures010 DESPREZ Louis Milon de Crotone 1834b.jpg
Calvet,sculptures010 DESPREZ Louis Milon...
File:Statue_of_Milo_of_Croton_in_Holland_Park_hand_not_yet_stuck.jpg
Statue_of_Milo_of_Croton_in_Holland_Park_h...
File:Antonio del pollaiolo, scudo con milone di crotone, 1460-65 ca. (louvre) 02.JPG
Antonio del pollaiolo, scudo con milone...
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