Roman version of a Greek bronze original of about 440–430 BC, found at Vaison, France.

Known as the Daidoumenos (ribbon wearer) this statue shows a triumphant athlete tying a ribbon round his head immediately after a victory.  Winners in the ancient Olympics were allowed to set up statues of themselves at Olympia. If they won three times they could set up specially commissioned portrait statues which could cost up to ten times the average yearly wage.

© Trustees of the British Museum

Created by British Museum.