LIGHTNING may be an Olympic-sized event this summer, so forecasters have some mechanical tricks to make sure spectators are only struck by the intensity of the Games.

From swimming meets to equestrian events, pole vaulting to javelin throwing, anything and anyone could be a live wire for lightning during Georgia's summer storms.

"Lightning is the biggest concern among Olympics organisers," said Lans Rothfusz, meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service's Olympic centre near Atlanta. "The next concern is heat. We've built our system around that to give us the best lightning information and heat forecasts."

Georgia ranks ninth in the United States in lightning casualty rates, according to a climatology study by the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, Oklahoma. In Atlanta, lightning strikes 800 to 1,000 times per hour during an average thunderstorm the weather service said.

Lightning sensors are part of the most advanced weather technology that has come together for the first time to aid the Olympics. A futuristic system will track developing storms and lightning once it hits the ground during the games. Meteorologists will tell each competition site where the storm is headed, if lightning accompanies it and where it might strike up to 30 minutes earlier, Rothfusz said.

From their headquarters in Peachtree City, 26 miles southwest of Atlanta, the weather service will issue lightning watches, warnings and updates every 10 minutes to each venue, Rothfusz said.

The advisories, along with daily forecasts, started with the opening of the Olympic Village in Atlanta. Until the Games end each competition site will get advisories via computer, fax and if time is short, a phone call.

Every venue also is equipped with a lightning rod, said Lyn May, spokeswoman for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. And at least one competition site is counting on the clock to help. Canoeing and rowing events at Lake Lanier, near Gainesville north of Atlanta, will be held mostly in the morning to avoid late-afternoon storms.

Ethiopia yesterday rejected requests by international sporting bodies to release jailed former Olympic marathon champion Mamo Wolde to attend the Atlanta Games.