Preparation and Fairness

Question 1

How did the athletes prepare for the games? 7

Answer 1

• Trained at home 10 months before games
• may employ professional trainer
• last months spent at Elis under supervision of Hellanodikai
• participation in heats
• diet: figs, cheese, veg, fish, meat
• constant massages
• sacrificing to Gods

Question 2

Did the athletes prepare in a similar way to nowadays?

YES 5

Answer 2

• Had doctors, trainers, massagers (for injuries)
• followed special diets
• could earn a living from it
• training in build up to games
• swearing oath not to cheat

Question 3

Did the athletes prepare in a similar way to nowadays?

NO 2

Answer 3

• Modern stay under supervision of own trainers, ancient had to submit to regime of Hellanodikai
• modern would not be asked to take part in gruelling 58km procession day before games

Question 4

Do you think competitions were fair?

NO 3

Answer 4

• Equestrian events - the richer you were the more horses you could buy - crown went to owner, not jockey
• no weight categories in combat sports
• all running races were on same afternoon of day 3 too it would be difficult to win more than one die to tiredness

Question 5

Do you think competitions were fair?

YES 5

Answer 5

• Contests held in one session, so no advantage gained by having extra rest
• Heats and supervision of the Hellanodikai in the months before the games ensured only the fittest could compete
• 3 official discuses of same weight
• official shields for hoplitodromos kept in Temple of Zeus
• harsh penalties inflicted on cheats