A Clever ‘No-Woman’ Olympics Loophole
While women were generally prohibited from participating in or attending the Olympics, whether as spectators or competitors, a clever loophole allowed women to enter equestrian events.
Cynisca, a Spartan Princess, exploited this rule to etch her name into women’s history. She achieved a historic moment by winning the equestrian event without direct participation. Cynisca’s horses secured first place in the games twice, in 396 and 392 B.C.E., establishing her as a clear-cut victor.
Advertisement
