KYNISKA OF SPARTA

Surname: Kyniska of Sparta
Date and place of birth: 4th century BC in Sparta, Greece
Nationality: Greek
Achievements: 2 titles at the Olympic Games in Olympia

The daughter of King Archidamos II of Sparta, Princess Kyniska was the first woman to appear on the list of ancient Olympic winners. Her chariot won the quadriga (four-horse chariot) race at the Games in 396 and 392 BC. Women were not allowed at the Olympic Games, but in the chariot races, the winner’s crown went not to the auriga but to the owner of the chariot.
This was how Kyniska won the Olympic title, even if she could not collect her victory wreath.