International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials approved Thursday plans by Athens 2004 organizers for the Shot Put event to be staged at the birthplace of the Ancient Olympic Games.
The plan has already received the backing of the International Association of Athletics Federations.
Both men’s and women’s events will take place in the Stadium of Ancient Olympia on August 18, without grandstands, floodlights or any of the trappings of a modern sports venue.
Gianna Angelopoulos, head of Athens 2004 said, “today the IOC Executive Board took an historic decision. Ancient Olympia becomes part of the unique nature and authenticity of the Olympic Games of Greece. It becomes the timeless symbol marking the return of the Olympic Games to their homeland and linking the ancient Olympic Games with the Games of the revival, in 1896, and with the modern Games”.
She added, “All of us are very moved and excited by this decision”.
