199 NOCs (Nations) and 4 individual athletes (IOA)
10,651 athletes (4,069 women, 6,582 men)
300 events
46,967 volunteers
16,033 media (5,298 written press, 10,735 broadcasters)

Sydney, Olympic Stadium, 15 September 2000. Opening Ceremony, general view during the show "Nature". © Getty Allsport/Adam Pretty

Official opening of the Games by: Sir William Deane, Governor General of Australia

Lighting the Olympic Flame by: Cathy Freeman (athletics)

Olympic Oath by: Rechelle Hawkes (hockey)

Official Oath by: Peter Kerr (water polo)

Ian Thorpe (AUS-swimming), 17 years old, won the gold medal in the 400m freestyle by breaking his own world record. He then swam the anchor leg in the 4x100m freestyle and won again. He finally gained another gold medal with the 4x200m freestyle Australian relay team and a silver medal in the 200m freestyle. [Full story]

The Sydney 2000 Games were the largest yet, with 10,651 athletes competing in 300 events. Despite their size, they were well organised, renewing faith in the Olympic Movement. [Full story]

The first Sri Lankan woman to win a medal: Susanthika Jayasinghe, bronze medallist in the 200m. [Full story]