Athens 1896 Summer Olympic Games Trophy

This cup’s decoration evokes the landscape of Marathon and its historic battle, connecting the modern race with Greece’s ancient past. It was conceived by French scholar Michel Bréal, who proposed the marathon as a new event inspired by ancient history.

Greek amateur athlete Spyridon Louis won the first Olympic marathon at the Athens 1896 Games.

Awarded to Louis for his victory, the Bréal Cup became an enduring symbol of the revival of the Olympic Games.