Diadumène, Bronze statue in Lausanne, Switzerland

The Diadumène is a dark bronze statue of a nude male athlete standing on a light grey square base. The figure has his right arm bent across his chest and his left arm raised, with both hands missing, and his head turned to the left, set on grass beside a low stone wall.

The original was created by the sculptor Polyclitus in the 5th century BC, and this bronze version was made in the 20th century by Praxiteles Tzanoulinos. It was given to the International Olympic Committee by a national Olympic committee.

The statue depicts an athlete tying the victory ribbon around his head, a gesture that gives the work its name. Visitors often stop to mimic the pose, and the missing hands add a sense of mystery to the figure.

The statue stands outdoors near the Olympic Museum, so you can visit it at any time without a ticket. Approach from the lake side for a clear view, and take care on the grass, which can be slippery after rain.

Unlike many statues that are direct copies, this one is a modern creation inspired by the ancient original. The hands are intentionally absent, a detail that sets it apart from the classical version.