Acanthus (Spartan)

Acanthus of Sparta

Personal information
Born	Sparta, Laconia
Sport
Event(s)	Diaulos and Dolichos
Medal record Ancient Greek Olympics Representing Laconia Olympic Games 720 BC Olympia Diaulos 720 BC Olympia Dolichos

Acanthus the Lacedaemonian (Ancient Greek: Ἄκανθος), was the victor in two footrace events, the diaulos (δίαυλος) and dolichos (δόλιχος), in the Olympic Games of 720 BC. He was also, according to some accounts, the first who ran naked in these games. Other accounts ascribe this to Orsippus the Megarian. Thucydides says that the Lacedaemonians were the first who contended naked in gymnastic games, although he does not mention Acanthus by name.