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! 

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Panathinaikos captain sports special jersey ahead of Pavlos Giannakopoulos tournament

Panathinaikos captain Kostas Sloukas has been seen sporting the club’s limited-edition jersey ahead of Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament.

Greek actor Petros Filippidis handed suspended prison sentence for attempted rape

Greek actor Petros Filippidis was sentenced to three years in prison with a three-year suspension by the Athens Mixed Jury Court of Appeal.

Greece’s Foreign Minister visits Tripoli to strengthen Greek-Libyan ties and promote dialogue

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis met with Libyan officials in Tripoli on Tuesday, July 9, as part of efforts to strengthen ties.

Australia’s Cypriot communities to mark 51 years since Turkish invasion of Cyprus

Cypriot communities across Australia are preparing a series of events to mark the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

From Bexley to Thessaloniki: Dimitri Sidiropoulos’ rise in Greek volleyball

Dimitri Sidiropoulos has has spread his wings and is showcasing his athletic talent in Greece, devoting his full love to volleyball.

You May Also Like

‘We must act now’: Greek alpinist and climate ambassador Vanessa Archontidou

Greek alpinist and climate ambassador, Vanessa Archontidou, delivers a message for climate change in Australia.

Greece declassifies intelligence reports on 1974 Cyprus coup and Turkish invasion

Greece's intelligence service declassified 58 reports detailing the Greek-led coup in Cyprus in 1974 and the subsequent Turkish invasion.

Greece bids farewell to 29-year-old Lieutenant Marios Touroutsikas

The funeral of 29-year-old Lieutenant Marios Touroutsikas was held on Thursday in the Greek city of Tripoli.