Iccus of Taranto
Iccus of Taranto was a Magna Grecia Olympic athlete, a victor during the 84th Games or 70th Games according to older sources. He is considered the father of athletic dietology. He prepared himself physically before competing according to ethical-religious Pythagorean concepts by abstaining from sexual intercourse and a frugal diet specially prepared. He also taught these principles. Pausanias calls him the best gymnast of his age, and Plato also mentions him with great praise. Iamblichus calls him a Pythagorean, and, according to Themistius, Plato reckoned him among the sophists.
