Having been invited by a Greek friend from his university days to spend the Easter holidays in Athens, John Boland looked forward to soaking up the SUN and having a relaxing time. His friend, Thrasyvoulos MANAUS, who was involved with the organizing committee in charge of the Olympic men's tennis events, had other ideas however, and persuaded John that the only tennis court available in Athens just happened to be in the Olympic venue, so if he fancied a quick game..! Having won the singles, he was SUBSEQUENTLY persuaded that, by virtue of the fact that he had studied in Bonn, he was half-German and therefore ELIGIBLE to play for Germany, which he did, winning the GOLD medal in the men's doubles.

Having been invited by a Greek friend from his university days to spend the Easter holidays in Athens, John Boland looked forward to soaking up the sun and having a relaxing time. His friend, Thrasyvoulos Manaus, who was involved with the organizing committee in charge of the Olympic men's tennis events, had other ideas however, and persuaded John that the only tennis court available in Athens just happened to be in the Olympic venue, so if he fancied a quick game..! Having won the singles, he was subsequently persuaded that, by virtue of the fact that he had studied in Bonn, he was half-German and therefore eligible to play for Germany, which he did, winning the gold medal in the men's doubles.