[1] Merkati introduced Pierre de Coubertin to Constantine I of Greece (then the crown prince), instrumental in providing Greek royal support to de Coubertin's idea of reviving the Olympic Games.
He was also a member of the Compiègne Club for golf, leading to Merkati having the opportunity to compete in the Games himself in 1900.
(His mother-in-law, Abbie Pratt, played in the women's tournament, winning a bronze medal.)
Following the Goudi coup in 1909, Merkati fled to the island of Zakynthos (his birthplace), fearing persecution against royalists such as himself.
He continued to serve on the IOC during this exile, with de Coubertin's support against attempts by the Greeks to replace him with new members.