Remembering the start of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney

·

The Olympic Games kicked off its opening ceremony to a 110,000-seat stadium on September 15, 2000.

Sydney 2000 not only marked the turn of the millennium but the turn of several world records. 

For this reason, the Greek Herald has a few key figures and statistics which capture the scale of what then-IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch called the “best games ever”. 

A global Australia:

The Olympic Games remains fond in the hearts of the 45 thousand volunteers and more than 12 thousand performers who made it happen.

More than 10 thousand athletes – 140 from Greece – traveled to Australia from an unprecedented 199 countries and territories to compete in a record 28 sports. 

More than 4.5 million fans passed through the gates at Sydney Olympic Park and billions more were watching on from the comfort of their own couches because, luckily enough for them, the Games had the largest press gathering and broadcast feed ever. 

Precisely 3.7 billion people tuned in – a 20% increase from the previous Games – and stayed tuned in: the average Australian viewing exceeded 49 hours per person. 

Sydney 2000 set a record 92.4% of available tickets sold by selling a total of 6.7 million tickets. 

The Games even brought the unlikeliest of rivals together: North and South Korea who, together, marched under the flag of the Korean Peninsula in the opening ceremony. 

Closer to home, the Games had a transformative impact on Australia’s Indigenous communities and no more so than when Cathy Freeman lit the Olympic cauldron and won the women’s 400 meters. 

It earned Australia one of its 16 gold medals, along with its 25 silver and 17 bronze, and helped the country rank 4th in its Games. 

Greece ranked 17th with 4 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze medals in tow. 

Here’s to Paris 2024! 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Valentine’s Day, Greek Style: Two couples reflect on love, family and tradition

This year, The Greek Herald decided to speak with two Greek Australian couples from across the nation to ask them how they met.

‘It’s Story Time’ with Sophia Amarandos: A mini dating series on finding love

Sophia Amarandos is on her very own Bridget Jones-esque quest to find love, no matter how many glasses of wine and awkward dinners it takes.

Macquarie University leads the way in Greek Language Certificate awards ceremony

Over 200 people attended the award ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in Greek Language 2024 that took place at Macquarie University.

Taste of the Aegean: Meet the Greek foodies bringing flavour to Antipodes 2025

This year’s Antipodes Festival is celebrating Greek culture and food with 'Taste of the Aegean,' proudly supported by The Greek Herald.

Inner West Hawks FC kick off 2025 season with memorable launch event

The Inner West Hawks FC officially launched their 2025 season with a vibrant celebration at Club Five Dock RSL on Wednesday, February 12.

You May Also Like

Nick Kyrgios reveals suicidal thoughts after 2019 Wimbledon defeat

Nick Kyrgios said in 'Break Point' that he was admitted to a psychiatric ward after Wimbledon in 2019 after thinking of suicide.

Stefanos Tsitsipas topples Nishikori at Miami Open

Stefanos Tsitsipas has overcome a mid-match hiccup against Kei Nishikori to advance to the Miami Open round of 16.

Father Angelos of Estia Foundation in talks to open up Drug Rehabilitation Centre under the Holy Archdiocese

After visiting the Estia Foundation last week and praising the work and efforts of everyone involved, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios gave the foundation his...