The first ever Olympic champion (in recorded history) was Coroebus of Elis , who won the stadion foot race (about 180–210 meters) at the first recorded Ancient Olympic Games in 776 BCE.

If you mean the first champion of the modern Olympics , that was James Connolly of the United States, who won the triple jump on 6 April 1896 at the Athens Games, making him the first Olympic champion in more than 1,500 years.

So:

  • Ancient Games: Coroebus of Elis, winner of the short sprint in 776 BCE.
  • Modern Games: James Connolly, triple jump champion in Athens 1896.

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