Michel Théato

Little is known about Théato's early life. For many years it was believed he was a baker's delivery boy in Paris. He also worked for some time as a cabinetmaker. In the 20th century, Alain Bouillé discovered that Théato was born in Luxembourg and had moved to Belgium before settling down in the Paris suburbs. There is no evidence that Théato ever applied for French citizenship.[2] Théato was a member of the athletics club in Saint-Mandé in Paris.[1]

The marathon started at 2:30pm in blazing heat. There were only 13 starters of the race, of whom 6 finished.[3] Théato won the race with a time of 2:59:45.[4]

Théato's victory was initially disputed, as several of his opponents, including American runner Arthur Newton, who finished fifth, alleged that Théato had cheated by taking multiple shortcuts, helped by his local knowledge of the Parisian streets through his job as a delivery boy. These allegations have since been disproved, but as a result of them, Théato did not receive the gold medal until 1912.[5]

Théato later became a professional runner, although with relatively little success. He set a personal best in the marathon of 2:42 in 1901.[1]

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg lodged an official complaint with the International Olympic Committee and petitioned to change the Olympic record of Théato's nationality; the complaint was officially rejected in 2004.[2]