Fig Leaves

The Atlanta (Ga.) Committee for the Olympic Games asked Los Angeles Coliseum officials to cover up two nude statues of Olympic athletes for the start of the Olympic torch relay because television viewers might glimpse the statues and find them “indecent”. The Atlanta Committee changed its mind after an outcry — and a firm refusal from the Coliseum. The 25-foot statues were modeled after male and female Olympians in the 1984 L.A. games, and have stood at the Coliseum since. “The Greek athletes started out nude in the Olympics,” noted Robert Graham, who sculpted the figures. “It’s nothing I invented.” (Los Angeles Times) ...Viewers looking for human physical perfection are hardly likely to be offended if they are lucky enough to see it.