Memorial · Lima

Pierre de Coubertin

Photograph at the Pierre de Coubertin Memorial
Photograph: Photograph from Bain News Service., via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

This memorial commemorates Baron Pierre de Coubertin, recognized as the driving force behind the revival of the modern Olympic Games. His legacy is celebrated through this bust, acknowledging his foundational role in establishing the international sporting event as it is known today. Coubertin's vision led to the first modern Olympics in Athens in 1896, and his enduring influence is marked by various tributes worldwide, reflecting the global impact of the Olympic movement he helped to create. This particular tribute stands as a reminder of his significant contribution to international sport and culture.

The memorial stands within the tradition of honouring pivotal figures in global movements, particularly those who have shaped international institutions like the Olympic Games. The recognition of individuals such as Coubertin highlights a broader practice of commemorating founders and reformers whose efforts have left a lasting mark on society. His work to re-establish the Olympic Games in the late 19th century was part of a wider trend of promoting amateur sport and international understanding through athletic competition. The Pierre de Coubertin Medal, an award for sportsmanship, further extends his legacy, given to athletes who embody the Olympic spirit, such as Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima.

This memorial is located in Lima, serving as a public tribute to Baron Pierre de Coubertin. As a bust, it is an accessible form of public art and remembrance, typically found in open spaces or parks, allowing visitors to approach and reflect. Details regarding specific opening hours or access restrictions are not provided, suggesting it is generally available for public viewing. Visitors are encouraged to show respect for the site and its commemorative purpose when attending.

Inscription

“Barón Pierre de Coubertin. Restaurador de los juegos de la era moderna.”
Transcribed from the Memorial at Lima.

Background

Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima is remembered for his remarkable display of sportsmanship at the 2004 Summer Olympics. While leading the marathon, he was interfered with on the course, causing him to lose his leading position. He continued the race, ultimately securing the bronze medal and demonstrating great resilience.

His sporting achievements also include victories in the Tokyo International Marathon and the Hamburg Marathon, as well as success at the Pan American Games. His integrity and spirit were further recognised with the Pierre de Coubertin Medal. Lima also had the honour of lighting the Olympic cauldron for the 2016 Summer Olympics, a testament to his enduring significance in the world of sport.

Original summary by TributeLegacy, informed by public sources.

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Geographic data via OpenStreetMap.

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Data sources

Location records are drawn from open, licence-clean datasets, kept here with attribution and gratitude to the people who maintain them.

  • Open Plaques, dedicated to the public domain (CC0). See openplaques.org.
  • Wikidata, available under the CC0 1.0 Universal dedication.
  • © OpenStreetMap contributors, available under the Open Database Licence.
  • Historic England, National Heritage List for England, used under the Open Government Licence v3.0. War memorial records are drawn from open community datasets (OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, NHLE) - never from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which is excluded.

Editorial descriptions, photography and tribute links are original TributeLegacy work, layered on top of the open data.

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