Greek mythology is filled with tales of heroic strength. Perhaps most famously, Atlas, who singlehandedly held the heavens aloft.

In a singularly uplifting modern-day version of Atlas come to life, one courageous athlete recently climbed Mount Olympus—home to the ancient gods–carrying a disabled comrade to the summit with him piggy-back style.

Long-distance runner Marios Giannakou has a long track record of taking on challenges: He’s trekked 168 miles across the Al Marmoum Desert and he also took first place in a frigid 93-mile cross-country race in Antarctica.