Fotios KOSMAS

Fotios Kosmas had always possessed an athletic frame, but it was not until 1946 – when he was nearly 20 years old – that he began to train seriously for track and field competition. Within two years, however, he was already placing on the podium in local and national short distance races and decathlons, and in 1950 he made his international debut at the European Championships. His greatest victory came at the 1951 Mediterranean Games, when he won the gold medal in the decathlon, which led to his selection to represent Greece at the 1952 Summer Olympics. At the Games he dropped out of the decathlon after performing poorly in the 100 metres and the long jump, and was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 400 metres hurdles after finishing fifth among six competitors in a heat won by upcoming bronze medalist John Holland of New Zealand.

Kosmas continued competing to various degrees of success over the next few years and made his final international appearance at the 1955 Mediterranean Games, where he failed to medal in the decathlon, placing fourth. He retired from active competition in 1958 and was recognized nationally for his achievements in the sporting world. A stadium and a road in the town where he spent most of his life, Alexandroupolis, were named in his honor after his death.

Personal Bests: 400H – 53.9 (1952); Dec – 5893 (1953).