In ancient Olympics women were not allowed to participate. However, every fifth year the Olympic stadium was made over to the girls who would compete in a short-distance race (usually 160 meters). The successful candidates got olive branches and their portraits were hung in the temple of Hera. The girls wore a short chiton  and had their right shoulder and breast bare. The first such competition took place in Sparta. The 6th century bronze figure of the running Spartan girl is further evidence of this. This archeological find is now in the British Museum. We have a glimpse of this beautiful statue from a Greek stamp issued in 1972.

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