Did you know that the inspiration behind the name of the beloved Milo drink, a chocolate-flavored malted powder enjoyed around the world, dates back to ancient Greece? It’s true! The product is named after Milo of Croton, a celebrated Greek wrestler from the 6th century BC renowned for his extraordinary strength and athletic prowess.
Milo, or Milon, of Croton was a greatly honored native of Croton (now Crotone, Calabria), an Achaean Greek colony in southern Italy. He was the most renowned wrestler in antiquity, with his name becoming proverbial for extraordinary strength.
His historicity is attested to by classical authors like Aristotle, Cicero, and Herodotus, but many legendary stories surround him. He was a six-time Olympic victor, winning once for boys’ wrestling in 540 BC and five times as champion in the men’s division from 520 to 504 BC.
He also dominated the Pythian Games (7-time winner), Isthmian Games (10-time winner), and Nemean Games (9-time winner).
Ancient sources and legends report that Milo took great pleasure in showing off his strength. He would hold his arm out, challenging people to bend his little finger, and stand on a greased iron disk, daring people to push him off. He could also hold a pomegranate so firmly that no one could take it from him without damaging it.
One of the most famous stories recounts how he trained by carrying a newborn calf on his back every day until the Olympics, eventually carrying a four-year-old bull the length of the stadium, then killing, roasting, and eating it.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Diodorus Siculus wrote that Milo was a follower of Pythagoras and led the Crotoniate army to victory over the Sybarites in 511 BC. He wore his Olympic wreaths, dressed like Heracles in a lion’s skin, and carried a club.
This image of Milo as a warrior-athlete further enhanced his legendary status.
Milo’s death is as legendary as his life. While traveling, he came across a tree split with wedges and, attempting to tear it apart with his bare hands, became trapped when the wedges fell out. Unable to free himself, he was devoured by wolves.
Milo was launched at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 1934. From its humble beginnings in Australia, Milo has grown into a global phenomenon, sold in over 40 countries and manufactured in 24 factories worldwide.
While the recipe may vary slightly from region to region to accommodate local tastes and ingredients, the core promise of providing a nourishing and delicious beverage remains the same.
Milo has also actively invested in youth sports through events like the Milo Marathon in Ghana and the Milo Secondary Basketball Championship in Nigeria.
It is a testament to the enduring appeal of its delicious taste and the inspirational legacy of the ancient Greek hero who lent his name to the brand.