Performers create a map of Australia during the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Olympics, 15 September 2000

From the Opening Ceremony on 15 September 2000, with its epic celebration of Australian culture, to the Closing Ceremony’s massive party on 1 October 2000, the Sydney Olympics captivated the nation. Venues for the 300 Olympic events were packed and a team of 46,967 volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly. Australian athletes performed brilliantly before the home crowd. They won 58 medals — 16 gold, 25 silver and 17 bronze — and Australia finished 4th overall. These included Cathy Freeman’s iconic win in the 400 metres and Ian Thorpe’s three gold and one silver in the pool.