SBS50: Biggest Story 2000

In the year 2000 Sydney hosted the Olympic games. Previously Australia hosted the world’s biggest sporting spectacle in Melbourne in 1956.

The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Credit: Mike Powell/Getty Images

After 44 years, the games have returned to Australia

With the slogan, ‘Share the Spirit’ the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games brought global attention to Australia.

The US, Russia and China led the medal tally.

As host nation, we came 4th - with 16 gold, 25 silver and 17 bronze medals.

Closing the games, then IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch declared it the best Olympic Games ever.

Discover more at sbs.com.au/sbs50