Multi-sport · International
Sydney opens the 2000 Olympic Games
The Australian host city began a Games programme lasting until 1 October.
Event date:
The story
The Sydney Olympic Games opened on 15 September 2000 and ran until 1 October. The opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium introduced the host city’s fortnight of competition.
How it unfolded
Cathy Freeman lit the Olympic cauldron. Her role connected the ceremony with an athlete who would later compete for Australia in the women’s 400 metres, making her part of both the opening and the sporting programme.
The wider picture
The Games included achievements across swimming, athletics, taekwondo and beach volleyball. Their dates provide the umbrella calendar for individual reports, but a Games opening is separate from the dates of specific finals and medals.
Sources
Check the original record.
Open the governing body or organiser’s publication for the underlying result, decision or tournament update.