Athens Olympic organisers (ATHOC) claimed to have bottled the Olympic spirit in February as they launched a perfume of the same name as their latest marketing gambit.

Aroma may be a Greek word but modern Athens is more famous for the lingering smell of smog than the sweet smell of Olympic success.

So for help in deciding what the Olympics should smell like organisers turned to New York-based perfumer Elias Erminidis, who came up with four scents: Fair Play and Heritage for men and Participation and Celebration for women.

"I think we have created modern fragrances with individuality and character," said Erminidis.

The Greek relationship with perfume is as old as the Olympics themselves and the range comprises ingredients that could easily have come straight from the market in 7th century BC Athens.

The perfumes' sage, laurel, spice, wildflowers and mint have an ancient pedigree but Socrates, historians tell us, would not have approved of the latest gimmick.

The 5th century BC philosopher was apparently suspicious of perfume as it blurred distinctions between slaves, who smelled of sweat, and free men, who supposedly did not.

The athletes who will be charged with raising a sweat at the next summer Games do not seem to share the great thinkers suspicions.

Sydney silver medal-winning sprinter Katerina Thanou modelling the new range said she would be happy to wear the scent.