Spyros Samaras (1863 - 1917) - He was a composer with Greek roots. Samaras was born in Corfu in 1863 and died in Athens in 1917.It was during the 1896 Olympic Games held in Athens when the Olympic Hymn was first played. The hymn was composed by Spyros Samaras and the lyrics were penned by Kostis Palamas. In 1957; the International Olympic Committee declared it as the official Olympic Anthem. It is sung when the flag is raised and lowered.