There are frequent references in ancient Olympic literature to a certain athlete from Megara who during the Olympic Games of 720 BC took off the apron on the plea that it hindered him and he went on to win the race. but historians could not accept this version. However, the concept of total nakedness as the ideal condition for all physical exercises was practised only in the second half of the 6th century B.C. A fine example of athletes competing naked can be seen on the Republic of Gabon issue. It reproduces a fragment of an Athenian amphora from 530 B.C.  The stamp shown here also reproduces an early painting of ancient runners.

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