The reason for nudity wasn't to "show off the male physique" and Lenore is only half right. The Olympics were an all male affair and no women were allowed to compete, coach or interact with the athletes in any way. It used to be that Olympians competed with clothes on and a woman disguised herself as a man to coach a wrestler. When the wrestler one she began to celebrate and her disguise unraveled. Athletes then had to compete nude in order to make sure no women were interfering in the games.