Documentary

OLYMPIA: MYTH & TRUTH

Tuesday 5 August at 8.30pm

“We have a high ideal of Greek sport, which has been stylised throughout European intellectual history. But this, in many respects, doesn’t correspond with the reality of the ancient Olympics” Professor Wolfgang Decker

In the lead-up to the Beijing 2008 Olympics, SBS will screen Olympia: Myth and Truth, a documentary that investigates the way the original Olympians competed, and questions whether the idealised image of Olympic values are founded in fact or fiction.

Utilising technology such as laser, infra-red and slow-motion cameras, scientists undertake a series of biomechanical studies comparing the techniques and performance of ancient Olympians with that of their modern-day counterparts.

Olympia: Myth and Truth provides a fascinating insight into the mechanics of ancient competitive sport, and challenges the popular view of the ancient Olympians as noble, peaceful and fair.