Edward Battell British cyclist and diplomat Country: Great Britain

1. Frederick Battel
2. Cycling at the 1896 Summer Olympics
3. Controversy Surrounding Battel's Participation

Frederick Battel

Frederick Battel was a British cyclist and diplomat who participated in the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens.

Cycling at the 1896 Summer Olympics

Battel competed in three cycling events at the Games: the 333.3-meter time trial, the 10-kilometer race, and the road race. In the 333.3-meter time trial, he finished fourth, just 0.2 seconds behind the bronze medalist. In the 10-kilometer race, he did not finish the race. Battel's most successful event was the road race, where he placed third, earning a bronze medal.

Controversy Surrounding Battel's Participation

Battel's participation in the Olympics was controversial because he was a serving member of the British embassy in Greece. Several of his colleagues objected to his competing in the Games, claiming that he should not be considered an amateur athlete. However, Battel's participation was ultimately approved, and he went on to become one of the most successful cyclists at the 1896 Olympics.