Demetrius Vikelas
Demetrius Vikelas (February 15, 1835-July 20, 1908) was the first president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Born in Ermoupolis, on Syros, Vieklas represented the Pan-Hellenic Gymnastic Club at the 1894 Paris congress convened by De Coubertin, where the modern Olympic Movement was founded.
Originally, it had been De Coubertin's idea to hold the first celebration of the modern Olympics in Paris in 1900, but Vikelas convinced him and the newly created IOC that they should be held in Athens. As the constintution of the IOC at that time required the IOC president to be from the country which would host the next Games, Vikelas became the IOC's first president.
After these first Olympics, which proved a success, Vikelas withdrew from the IOC and turned his attention elsewhere. He died in Athens, aged 73.
Referenced By
15 February | 15th February | 1835 | 1908 | 20 July | 20th July | February 15 | February 15th | Historical anniversaries/July 20 | I.O.C | I.O.C. | IOC/Presidents | International Olympic Committee | International Olympic Committee Presidents | July 20 | July 20th | List of Presidents of the International Olympic Committee | Pierre de Coubertin
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