August
16, 2004
Athens Olympic Sports Complex
With the Olympics returning to Athens, the specter of
the ancient games looms large. In 776 B.C., the first Olympics lasted
just a day, and rather than the 301 events that the 2004 program
encompasses, they consisted of a single footrace. One nod to the
Ancient
Games is the mascots of these Games, Phevos and Athena. The
two mascots are designed to resemble an ancient toy that dates back
some 5,000 years and is on exhibit in the National Archaeological
Museum in Athens. I have already bought several for my nieces and
nephews, as they are quite adorable. Another infusion of antiquity is
the olive wreaths that are placed on the each medallist's head.
In terms of competition, archery has been taking place
at Panathianaiko
Stadium, which lies almost in the center of Athens and was the
site of the 1896 Games. The marble stadium, which stands on the site of
an ancient stadium, will also be the finish of the marathon, perhaps
the most heralded event in Greek culture. But perhaps the greatest
homage to the Ancient Games will be on Wednesday, August 18th, when the
Olympics return to Olympia, the
place where sport began. Both men's and women's shot put will take
place at the ancient site, creating a wonderful connection between
Greece's Olympic past and its presence. Organizers have put a lot of
thought in terms of both preserving the physical site - which obviously
has a great deal of archeological worth to it - and the sense of
history. In order to preserve the sense of antiquity, no bleachers or
stadium seats were built for the event, tickets are free, and water is
the only available concession. In the midst of an Olympics that has
cost more than any other in history with a budget that tops $7 billion,
the shot put will serve as a symbolic moment that looks to be quite
special. It may the most special for American Adam Nelson,
who was the silver medalist in this event in Sydney in 2000 and who
stands a good chance of taking gold in this ancient place. Where is he
from in the U.S.? You got it - Athens. Well, Athens, Georgia.
View of Panathianaiko
Stadium, site of 1896 Games.
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Be
sure to check back often
for Dr. Amy Bass's updates
to her Online CNR
Olympic Diary.
