The rings have returned to the Panathenaic Stadium for the first time in 12 years.
Photos: Hellenic Olympic Committee
by Philip Barker
The Olympic Rings have finally returned to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens after an absence of almost twelve years.
They have once again been positioned beneath the trees at the far end of the stadium from the main entrance.
“It is a great moment for the Hellenic Olympic Committee and I cannot hide my joy but also my emotion, because the symbol of the Olympic Games has returned to the place where they had been after many years,” Capralos said.
“Now all Greeks and foreigners who visit the Panathenaic Stadium will remember the presence of the Olympic Circles, where historic sporting events took place. We had to overcome many obstacles for the placement of the Olympic Rings and I have to thank the Ministry of Culture for issuing the relevant permits.”
Capralos paid tribute to Hellenic Archery Federation President and HOC member Petros Synadinos.
“He personally dealt with the issue and had a decisive contribution to their placement.”
The project was carried out with the backing of HOC gold sponsor Mytilineos SA and supporters Sidenor SA.
The stadium dates back to the fourth century BC but was restored for the first Olympics of the modern era in 1896 with the financial backing of Georgios Averoff, an expatriate Greek businessman.
During the Games, athletics, gymnastics, weightlifting and wrestling were all held there.
It also staged the 1906 Olympic Games to celebrate the tenth anniversary.
The Olympic Rings had not yet been introduced.
In 1936, the stadium was also the setting for a Ceremony to formally entrust the Olympic Torch to representatives of the Host City, a tradition which has continued at most Olympic Games since then.
The rings were illuminated for a special commemoration in 1996 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Olympics attended by International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch.
A re-enactment of the athletics events from 1896 was held in the stadium conducted as far as possible under the regulations in force at the time.
The Olympic Flame completed its journey around Greece.
A cauldron was ignited by high jumper Niki Bayakogianni and windsurfer Nikos Kaklamanakis.
Then a symbolic Relay was begun by Voula Patalidou, gold medallist in the 100 metres at the 1992 Barcelona Games.
It featured representatives of every city to stage the Games in the first century of the Games.
It was also the occasion at which Athens formally announced the intention to bid for the 2004 Olympics.
The following year, the site was used for the Opening Ceremony of the 1997 World Athletics Championships complete with a light show and music by Vangelis.
During the 2004 Olympics the archery and the finish of the marathons took place in the stadium.
The Handover Ceremony for Paris 2024 is expected to take place in the Stadium next year.
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