by Alison Brown
September 15 marked the 25th anniversary of the opening ceremony for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. These Games have been widely touted as one of the best in Olympic history. Our listeners wanted to revisit Sydney 2000 in our monthly Games History series, so throughout 2025, we have been celebrating this silver jubilee with stories from the first Olympics and Paralympics of the new millennium.
Of course, with any Olympics and Paralympics, there are thousands of stories. Some of these are etched in our memories, but others are amazing discoveries of what we’ve forgotten (or in some cases, didn’t know because there was just too much to take in). Have you missed a few of our anniversary podcasts? Not to worry; here is what we have covered so far:
Sydney 2000’s Can-Do Olympic Bid and Iconic Opening Ceremonies
We started off our stories with a bang (from fireworks) sharing how Sydney quieted all the naysayers and doubters when they were awarded the Games. Back in the 1990s, host city bidding looked, and sounded, very different. The opening ceremonies, on the other hand, had all the glitter, glitz, pomp, ceremony, and full-out wackiness we want from the first spectacle of each Olympics.
Glory and Disgrace on the Track: Cathy Freeman and Marion Jones
Marion Jones became the infamous poster child for doping but that after she won three gold medals in Sydney. We share her story, through all its twists and turns, to Sydney then to prison and after. Cathy Freeman carried the hopes of the host nation and the burden of historical discrimination of the Aboriginal people on to the track in Sydney. Freeman’s story is one of the greatest triumphs for Australians at their home Olympics.
The Debacles of Women’s Gymnastics
This is the story I have wanted to tell since we started the podcast: what really happened at the women’s all-around event at the Sydney Olympics? Small mistakes can have big consequences when they happen on the world’s biggest stage.
Do you remember the mascots from Sydney? Don’t worry, most people don’t. We shared the story of official Olympic mascots Olly, Syd, and Millie and Paralympic mascot Lizzie, and how an unofficial mascot stole the show. Speaking of shows, take a listen to the birth of Jill’s latest obsession, watching old episodes of an Australian show covering the Olympics, The Dream.
Olympic Football, Women’s Weightlifting, and Para Powerlifting
The Olympics call it football but we are American so sometimes we call it soccer. Whatever you call it, the tournament in Sydney produced unlikely champions. Parapowerlifting and women’s weightlifting debuted in Sydney, producing legends and controversy.
Thorpedo and the Experiment: Olympic Swimming and Wrestling, Paralympic Para Swimming
Ian Thorpe a legend of Australian sports, but the Olympic pool was filled with amazing athletes, great stories, and fun characters. And speaking of legends, Aleksandr Karelin is arguably the greatest Greco-Roman wrestler in Olympic history and his gold-medal match against American Rulon Gardner is one for the ages.
The Cover-Up and the Comebacks: Paralympic Basketball and Olympic Cycling
What was the greatest scandal in Paralympic history? Without a doubt, it centers on the Spanish team in basketball – intellectual disability at Sydney 2000. What happens when Paralympic athletes fake their disabilities? Cycling at the Olympics, on the other hand, featured comebacks and thrilling triumphs, but now we know it was likely the dirtiest sport in Sydney.
Eventing, Para Sailing, and Wheelchair Rugyby – Oh, My!
We cover a lot of tough guys in this episode. Sure, you expect that from the debut of wheelchair rugby, but eventing and para sailing? Definitely! Equestrian and sailing may seem like gentlemanly endeavors but when a gold medal is on the line, athletes step up and sometimes bleach their hair.
Better than New: Triathlon, Women’s Pole Vault, and Women’s Modern Pentathlon
Triathlon was one of two new Olympic sports at Sydney 2000 (Taekwondo also joined the program at these Games), and women got more opportunities to be Olympians, as several women’s events were added to the Olympic program. Women’s pole vault and modern pentathlon were two of these new additions, and they provided thrilling competitions–including one on Magic Monday!
And we aren’t done yet! We have three more episodes with plenty more surprises. What do you remember from Sydney 2000? Let us know your favorite memories!