 Eleni's lover, Lt. Alexi Vinardos (Minardos), is a powerful man in Greece and a respected runner.Though Spiridon arrived after the entry date, his persistence and athletic prowess so impress the Olympic officials and Coach Graham (Mathias), that he is admitted to compete in the race.To promote herself, Eleni announces she'll marry the winner of the marathon, having faith that it will be her beloved Vinardos.