[OLYMPIC GAMES 2004]

ATHENS, Greece - August 18 - Trinidadian shot put champion, Cleopatra Borel took the ancient connotation of her name to this ancient stadium on the plains of Olympia, where the Olympic Games sprung to life in 776 BC.

The 25-year-old former NCAA Indoor women’s shot put champion claimed a placed in Wednesday’s final of the event.

Borel’s first and only throw of 18.90 metres, a new Trinidad and Tobago national record, took her to the final.

She recorded the fourth best overall performance, behind Nadezha Ostapchuk of Belarus, 19.69m; Irina Korzhanenko of Russia, 19.43m and Cuba’s Yumileidi Cumba of Cuba, 19.10m.

Jamaica’s Kimberly Barrett didn’t advance to the final round since all her three attempts were below the qualifying standard of 18.50m, and far from any of the next 12 best performers.

Her best attempt was 16.45m, after starting with a throw of 15.80 and finishing with 16.09m.

Wednesday’s shot put event in Olympia rekindled this Greek ancient tradition.

In this magnificent setting, and after nearly 2,500 years of lying quiet - the ancient Games were banned in 393 AD as pagan - crowds and athletes once again filled the stadium as competition resumed.

 It was the first time in history that women have competed in the ancient stadium, as only men were allowed to participate in the ancient Games, which were dedicated to the Olympian Gods.  

Women were also prohibited from watching the Games, although records indicate high priestesses were allowed into the stadium to tend to religious rites.

 True to ancient form, the winners of Wednesday’s Shot Put event will be celebrated in a victory ceremony, and crowned with an olive wreath cut from the sacred Kallisthenos olive tree.

 Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded the winners on Friday August 20 at the Olympic Stadium.