Claim: Theseia athletic events were conducted by hoplites in their armor and the first events were only open to Athenian males.
Evidence: The athletic events were conducted by hoplites in their armor and would compete in footraces, displays of their weapon handling skills, and would culminate in equestrian competitions. These first events were only open to Athenian males but were soon followed more multinational events that were open to foreigners.