My all-time favourite Olympian: Margaret Abbott, an American studying with Degas & Rodin in Paris who entered a golf tournament in 1900 without realising it was part of the Olympics. She became America's 1st female gold medallist; but died (in 1955) without ever realising it. 
Another Olympics hero: Félix Carvajal, a Cuban postman who - after losing all his money at dice - ran the 1904 marathon in his shirt, beret & walking shoes. A fellow competitor took scissors to his long trousers. Despite stopping mid-race to eat & chat to spectators, he came 4th.
Also competing in the 1904 marathon was Len Tau, a member of the Tsuana tribe from South Africa. He came 9th, but then had to run an additional mile to escape an angry dog. #Olympics
The 1st athlete to cross the finish line in the 1904 marathon was disqualified when it turned out he’d gone part of the way on the back of a truck. The ultimate gold medalist won despite his coach having dosed him with an elite sports drink of egg whites, alcohol & strychnine.
I do feel the Olympics today are poorer for the lack of medal winning gymnasts with wooden legs.
https://twitter.com/josephsurtees/status/1418674877578502147
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