Giorgos Marsellos, one of the most iconic figures in the history of Greek athletics, has died at the age of 90, the Hellenic Amateur Athletic Association (SEGAS) announced on 4 August 2026. Marsellos served as SEGAS president for seven years, from 1975 to 1982, after building a career that took him through nearly every level of the sport.
In its statement, SEGAS described the loss as a heavy blow for Greek athletics, calling Marsellos one of the sport's most emblematic personalities. The federation said he had passed through every stage of track and field before becoming its president.
A champion hurdler and decathlete
Marsellos began his athletic career at Panionios, the Athens-based sports club, and went on to become a national champion in the 110-metre hurdles, the decathlon and the high jump. According to SEGAS, he was crowned Greek national champion, Balkan champion and Mediterranean Games champion on multiple occasions.
He competed at two Olympic Games, in 1960 and 1964. At the 1964 Games, he carried the Greek flag for the national delegation during the opening ceremony, one of the highest honours a country can give an athlete.
Seven years leading SEGAS
Marsellos took over as president of SEGAS, Greece's governing body for track and field, in 1975 and held the role until 1982. SEGAS said his path to the presidency had come only after he had experienced every level of the sport as a competitor.
Life after athletics
Marsellos studied at the Athens University of Economics and Business. He had two children, a son and a daughter. After his term as SEGAS president ended, he moved into local government politics.
Tributes from the federation
SEGAS president Sofia Sakorafa and the federation's entire board of directors offered their condolences to Marsellos's family, the statement said.
