Melpomene (fl. 1896).

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Melpomene (fl. 1896).

Greek marathon runner. Flourished c. 1896.

At the 1st modern Olympic Games, though women were still forbidden from participating, went to the competition dressed as a man and managed to blend in among the 24-odd male runners as the race began; when officials barred her from entering the stadium for the final lap, completed the marathon by circling the outside of the stadium, finishing in four and a half hours.

See also Women in World History.