Harvard student got 1st title in modern Games

Updated: 2006-03-18 14:52On 6 April 1896, the American James Connolly won the triple jump to become the first Olympic champion in more than 1,500 years. He was awarded a silver medal and an olive branch. He also finished second in the high jump and third in the long jump. He left Harvard University to travel to Athens on a cargo ship and then by train to compete.