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The Second Day of the Olympic Games.
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Fencing Contest
The building of the Zappeion was chosen as the lieu of this event.
A special ring was set up in the centre of the Hall.
One of the Philharmonic bands was set up in the elegant circular stoa.
The seats of the spectators formed the circle of the ring.
At the appointed hour, 10 a.m., the Royal Family arrives, being welcomed at the propylaea, and while the anthem is being played it takes up the seats reserved for it at the right of the ring. The contests start under the supervision of the judges: President: M. de la Fremoire, a Frenchman staying in Athens, Vice President, Mr.A Soutsos, cavalry major, Members: Messrs. S. Philipon, a Frenchman; E. Embiricos, a Member of Parliament and E. Zymvrakakis, officer.
The contestants appear in pairs, wearing the regulation masks, with the points of the foils covered. The first pair consists of Mr. P. Pierrakos Mavromihalis, cavalry officer, and Mr. Delaborde a Frenchman. Pierrakos proves the winner obtaining three touches and receiving one. The second pair is P. Poulos and Mr. Callot, a Frenchman, who wins having given three touches but received two. The third pair is Balakakis and Miliotis, an officer, the latter of whom wins, giving three touches and receiving one. The fourth pair is Vouros and Gravelotte, of which the second won obtaining three touches and receiving two. The fifth pair is Pierrakos and Poulos. The former wins giving three touches and receiving none. The sixth pair is Delaborde and Callot of whom the second wins, having touched but once and having touched his adversary thrice. The seventh pair is Balakakis and Vouros, who wins, having given three touches and receiving one. The eighth pair is between Miliotis and Gravelotte and a tense duel proceeds between the two. The second is declared winner but the decision is contested and Miliotis departs. The ninth pair: Pierrakos and Callot and the second wins giving three touches and granting one. The tenth pair: Delaborde and Poulos who wins giving three touches and receiving one. Eleventh pair: Gravelotte and Balakakis, the former wins giving three touches and receiving one. Twelfth pair: The two who distinguished themselves, Gravelotte and Callot are opposed and the former wins giving three touches and granting two.
A contest follows betwen fencing masters. The champions face each other. The Frenchman Perronnet, master at arms, and L. Pyrgos, son of a former master of fencing. The assault of the two competitors excites the interest of the spectators to a high degree. Both of them prove themselves to be experienced fencers and the contest lasts for a long time. At last Pyrgos proves himself the winner, giving three touches and granting only one. He is the first Greek Olympic winner and the spectators cheer him heartily.
But noon has now passed and the remainder of the contests of fencing is postponed until March 28.
Contests in the Stadium
The day is more serene, and the temperature is milder than on the previous day.
Yet the wind raises clouds of dust which is also a nuissance for the spectators in the stadium.
The crowd is not as large as it was on the previous day.
The first rush of interest has passed, and besides the cost of the tickets is considered excessive.
So soon as the Royal Family arrives at 2.30 p.m., the events start
1st Event
110 metres with hurdles
On the track wooden hurdles have been placed at close intervals,
over which the runners must jump to reach the finishing tape.
There are eight competitors divided ihto two heats.
First Heat: Among the first heat the Greek from Cyprus, Andreou, is included, who distinguished himself in the Panhellenic Games. With the starting signal they all rush forward. The sight is most peculiar and causes much amusement. Some hit the hurdles and falling, lose distance. The first to reach the tape is the Englishman, Goulding in 18 2/5, secs. Mr. Sokolyi, a Hungarian is second.
Second Heat: The other four compete and Curtis, the American is winner in 18 secs, while the American Stoyt is second. These four will compete in the finals.
2nd Event
The Long Jump
Of the eighteen who have registered only eight take part, among whom two Greeks,
Chalkokondylis and Scaltsoyannis of the National Club of Athens.
The winner is the American Clark of Boston and the second is Garrett.
The jump of the first was of 6.35 metres, while that of the second 6 m.
The American flag floats on the mast and the spectators applaud heartily.
3th Event
Final of the 400 metres
The four finalists of the former day's trial take part.
Winner is the American Burke, covering the distance in 54 1/5 sec. Second is Jameson.
Immediately the American flag is raised and the crowd applauds.
The Americans become enthusiastic at their repeated victories.
4th Event
Putting the Weight
This event, especially popular in Greece, brings the interest of the public to a high pitch.
Only seven of those who have registered take part, and of these two are Greeks,
Gouskos of the Panhellenic Club, and Papasideris of the National Club, who, however,
is not up to the mark. The two who are most prominent are Gouskos and Garrett.
Each successful throw of the former is greeted with frenzied cheers;
The King and the Queen follow with field glasses from their thrones and give the signs for the applause.
The Crown Prince and Prince George from close follow with obvious interest.
Finally Garrett proves himself the winner, having thrown the weight 11.22 metres
while Gouskos was but a few centimetres behind. Yet once more the
American flag waves victorious and the enthusiasm of the Americans reaches its apogee.
Their curious shouts resound once more and once more small American flags are waved.
With solicitude, however, the Americans congratulate the Greek Gouskos to whom fate was not kind.
5th Event
Weight-Lifting
This event takes place in the middle of the arena on a ground covered with sand.
Eight contestants participate of whom two Greek, Versis, and Nikolopoulos.
They first compete in the weight-lifting with two hands;
Each bends and lifts weights which are continuously increased.
First is proved the Dane Jensen who has lifted a weight of 111 1/2 kilograms.
Second is the Englishman Elliot. He is a big fair young man, beautifully built.
At the weight lifting with one hand only it is on the contrary Elliot who comes first.
He has lifted a weight of 71 kilograms, while Jenrren is second.
First the Danish Flag and then the English are hoisted on the mast.
The appearance of the second is greeted with enthusiasm by the Englishmen in the audience.
An amusing episode occurred during this event, demonstrating the great strength of Prince George. While one of the servitors was trying with great, difficulty to remove one of the iron weights, the athletic prince bent and put it aside with the greatest of ease. The public admires and claps with enthusiasm and cheers.
6th Event
The 1500 Metres race
Eight contestants take part in the last event of the day, of whom two are Greek.
The curiosiiy of the public heightens. The speedy Frenchman Lermusiaux is seen for a while
as being in the lead but the swift-footed Flack (Australian) passes all, covering the distance
in 4' 35 1/5". The second to reach the tape was the American Black.
The Australian flag is hoisted and the events for the second day have come to an end.
In the evening, according to the programme, the Acropolis is lit up. Multicoloured flares of torches are reflected on the Sacred Rock and the dignified ruins shine in the most majestic glory, just as if by this illuminated symbol the well being of ancient Greece was revivified by these modern Games.
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