Security concerns have forced organisers of next year's Athens Olympics to limit the number of spectators at the shot put competition when it returns to Olympia, the birthplace of the Ancient Games.
The symbolic return of the Games to their cradle will happen next summer after IOC officials last week approved plans by organisers (ATHOC) to stage the shot put in the sleepy town of Olympia.
Both the men's and women's event will take place in the Stadium of Ancient Olympia on August 18, but only 15,000 people will be allowed to watch from the grass slopes around the Ancient Stadium. More than 70,000 are expected for other events at the Olympic stadium in Athens.
"Unfortunately because of security we must limit the number of spectators to 15,000," ATHOC executive director Spyros Kapralos told reporters on Monday. "The areas and the competition must be secured."
Athens has drafted the biggest and most expensive security plan for next year's Olympics following the September 11, 2001 attacks on U.S. cities and the U.S.-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Recent bomb attacks in neighbouring Turkey have raised concerns further.
The Ancient Stadium is a Greek national treasure and in its heyday -- almost 3,000 years ago -- would have held up to 30,000 spectators.
Next summer's shot put, with 32 men and 32 women competing, will take place without grandstands, floodlights or any of the trappings of a modern sports venue.