The 2000 Sydney Olympics were a landmark event for Australia, not only because the country played host, but also due to its outstanding performance. Australia finished fourth in the medal tally, winning a total of 58 medals, including 16 golds. This home advantage spurred on many Australian athletes to achieve their best, with Cathy Freeman’s memorable 400m gold in track and field becoming an iconic moment in Olympic history.
Trivia
- The three Sydney Olympics' mascots were Olly the kookaburra, Syd the platypus, Millie the echidna.
- In 2000, Ian Thorpe equalled the record for the most medals at a single Olympic Games: 5 medals in Sydney 2000- 3 gold, 2 silver. He shares this record with fellow swimmer Shane Gould in 1972 in Munich.
- Australia’s best ever medal tally was in Sydney 2000 with 58 Olympic medals (16 gold, 25 silver, 17 bronze). See the Medal Tallies for all years.
Related Pages
- Australia at each Olympiad
- Information about all countries at each Olympiad