Athens with Ian Thorpe, GREECE
Airing Date: Aug 18th, 2003
Athens and Greece are not only known as the birthplace of democracy and western civilisation, but also as the birthplace of the ancient and modern Olympic Games.
In August 2004 all eyes will be on Athens as it hosts the biggest event in years. The city has the honour of hosting the 2004 Olympic Games and is undergoing major changes in preparation, including the construction of a new international airport, new metro lines, a ring road around the city and new landscaping to add millions of indigenous trees and shrubs to the region.
Ernie and Ian Thorpe headed to Greece to check out the city's latest developments and historical features.
The Panathinaikon Stadium was the home of the first modern Olympics in 1896. With the Games returning to its birthplace in 2004, the stadium will again be a centrepiece of the Olympics, where the marathon will culminate at the end of the games. The archery finals will also be held in this venue.
The next stop on Ernie and Ian's itinerary is the Bay of Zea, where the first swimming events were held. In the old days, a boat took contestants out to sea and the first swimmer to make it to shore was the winner. The race was tough on the swimmer, with icy cold water temperatures and four metre seas disadvantaging the contestants.
Ian Thorpe and his fellow swimmers have things a bit easier these days. For the first time in Olympic Games history, all the swimming events will be held under the one roof. The Olympic Sports Complex has a program that spans all 16 days of the Games (14 to 29 August 2004). The aquatics program starts off with the swimming events, followed by diving, water polo and synchronised swimming.
If you plan to head to Athens for next year's Olympic Games, check out the Acropolis. It's one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, and gives visitors a fascinating insight into Greek life in ancient times. Crowned by the Parthenon, it stands high on a hilltop overlooking the bustling city. When you walk around this historic area you'll see some of the city's most impressive architecture, with Doric columns and Pentelic marble gleaming in the sun.
The facts:
Thai Airways International flies to Athens three times a week. Prices start at $2175 from the east coast.
Thai Airways International
Tel: 1300 651 960
Sportsworld Pacific is Australia's official ticket and tour agent for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. A six night package starts from $4995 per person twin share. This price includes accommodation, breakfasts, transfers and an Olympic souvenir kit. As a special offer to viewers of The Great Outdoors, the first 50 callers will get a 10% discount on this price.
Sportsworld
Tel: 02 9492 9100
Greek National Tourist Organization
Chat Tours
Tel: 02 9221 2300
