Great risks were run in these contests; it was not unusual for one of the contestants to drop dead as he was about to seize the prize in triumph. But this was not considered too great a risk to run for the sake of the honor awarded to the conqueror. As he reached the goal, shout after shout of applause from the vast multitude rent the air and wakened the echoes of the surrounding hills and mountains. The judge, in full view of the spectators, presented him with the emblems of victory, the perishable laurel crown, and a palm branch to carry in his right hand. This crown was worn by the victor with great pride. His praise was extravagantly heralded, and sung throughout the land. His parents received their share of honor, and even the city where he lived was held in high esteem for having produced so great an athlete.{LP 164.1}

Der blev løbet store risikoer i disse konkurrencer; det var ikke unormalt at en af deltagerne faldt død om, idet han var ved at få sejren. Men dette blev ikke betragtet som en stor risiko at løbe for den ære vinderen blev tilstået. Idet han nåede målet lød der bifaldsråb efter bifaldsråb fra en stor folkeskare der fyldte luften og gav genlyd over omgivende bakker og bjerge. For øjnene af tilskuerne gav dommeren ham sejrmedaljerne, den forgængelige laurbærkrone, og en palmegren til at bære i hans højre hånd. Denne krone bar vinderen med stor stolthed. Hans ros blev udråbt overmådeligt, og sang udover landet. Hans forældre fik del i æren, og også byen han boede i blev højt værdsat for at have affødt så stor en atlet.