When Athens won the 2004 Summer Olympics bid, all of Greece was thrilled that the Games would be returning home for the first time since 1896. The iconic Hellinikon Olympic Complex was split into five venues – a general indoor arena, baseball and hockey centres, a softball stadium and a canoe/kayak slalom course.

The latter could hold 7,600 spectators and had competition and training courses as well as a warm-up lake. It was also unique for featuring salt water as opposed to fresh. Today, though, there’s no water of any kind, and weeds have sprouted up through its cracked, drained pools. Other sportspeople are now making use of the smooth concrete and dry spaces – skateboarders.

Liking this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Eerie images of abandoned sports venues