What were the Sydney 2000 Olympics?
The Sydney 2000 Olympics were held from 15 September to 1 October 2000. Widely praised as one of the best Games ever, they featured Cathy Freeman's famous 400 metres victory and Ian Thorpe's swimming success.
Around 10,600 athletes from 199 nations competed. The main venue was Stadium Australia, now Accor Stadium, at Sydney Olympic Park in Homebush.
The opening ceremony celebrated Australia's culture and history, including Aboriginal culture, the outback and the bush. Cathy Freeman lit the Olympic cauldron, which rose through a waterfall.
Memorable moments
Cathy Freeman won the 400 metres in front of more than 110,000 spectators, one of Australia's most famous sporting moments. Ian Thorpe won three gold medals in the pool.
Australia won 16 gold medals and 58 medals in total, finishing fourth on the medal table. Triathlon and taekwondo made their Olympic debuts.
At the closing ceremony, IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch called the Games the best Olympic Games ever. Sydney also hosted the Paralympic Games, which were highly successful.
The Olympic torch relay traveled around Australia before the Games, including an underwater leg on the Great Barrier Reef.