2000 Summer Olympics torch relay

Games of the XXVII Olympiad
Host city	Sydney, Australia
Countries visited	Greece, Guam, Palau, Micronesia, Nauru, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Tonga, New Zealand, Australia
Distance	27,000 km in Australia 36,000 km total
Torch bearers	800 in Greece 1,500 in Oceania 11,000 in Australia
Start date	10 May 2000
End date	15 September 2000
Torch designer	Robert Jurgens at Blue Sky
No. of torches	14,000

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2000 Summer Olympics

IOC

The 2000 Summer Olympics torch relay was the transferral of the Olympic Flame to Sydney, Australia that built up to the 2000 Summer Olympics. The torch travelled to various island nations as part of a tour of Oceania before beginning an extensive journey around Australia. For the first time the Flame was taken underwater, with a special flare-like torch taken on a dive down to the Great Barrier Reef. At the opening ceremony the cauldron was lit by Aboriginal athlete Cathy Freeman.

Relay elements

A History of the Olympic Torch Relay has been written by Janet Cahill covering all relays to Sydney 2000. She is also author of the Olympic Torch Relay section of the "Official Report of the XXVII Olympiad, Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Volume Two - Celebrating The Games".

Torch

The design of the torch reflected three famed areas of Australian culture: the boomerang, the Sydney Opera House, and the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The concept also reflected the elements of earth, fire, and water.^[1]^[2] This was achieved across three layers of the torch. The first, inner layer contains the fuel system and combustor, the second contains the fuel canister, and the outer layer is a specially textured aluminium shell. A combination of copper, brass, aluminium, and stainless steel was used in its construction, and the fuel comprised 65 percent butane and 35 percent propane. In total 14,000 torches were produced.^[2]

Torch-bearers

Fred Atkins taking the Torch through Taree, New South Wales

A total of 13,400 torch-bearers were involved in the relay. The Greek leg of the route saw 800 people carry the torch, while 1,500 people were involved across Oceania. As part of the vast traversal of Australia, 11,000 people carried the torch within the country.^[3]

The first Australian torch-bearer was Sophie Gosper, the daughter of International Olympic Committee (IOC) Vice-President Kevan Gosper. Her selection caused considerable controversy with accusations of corruption directed at the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC). Greek-Australian Yianna Souleles was originally due to receive the torch in Olympia but was replaced at late notice by Gosper. Kevan Gosper accepted the invitation for his daughter to carry the torch while claiming to be unaware that this would make her the first Australian to have the honour.^[4]

The HOC's invitation was seen as an attempt to curry favour with the IOC after being warned that its delays put the planned 2004 Olympics (scheduled to be held in Greece) in jeopardy.^[5] Gosper's acceptance of the invitation was portrayed by the media as being nepotistic and inappropriate, with Australian politicians, Olympic athletes, and officials from various Olympic Committees condemning the move. Gosper initially defended his actions but would go on to make a public apology, claiming that fatherly pride had clouded his judgement. He gave up his role in the relay at the Melbourne Cricket Ground despite having previously described it as "the most important moment of my life since I won a silver medal [there]".^[4]

Route

The Flame was lit during a ceremony in Olympia, as has been tradition at all the Summer Games since those in 1936. The Flame is initiated by using a parabolic mirror that concentrates the sun's rays. However, due to some cloud cover on the day of the ceremony, there was insufficient sunlight to create the required level of heat. A backup, lit on the previous day during rehearsals, was used instead. The remainder of the ceremony could then take place.^[1]

The relay always begins in Greece and travels from Olympia to Athens and the Panathenaic Stadium. The Hellenic Olympic Committee arranged for the torch to be taken to several Greek islands, a first in the history of Olympic relays. The torch arrived in Athens on 20 May, after which it began a tour of Oceania. The Flame was flown firstly to Guam, before moving to Palau, Micronesia, Nauru, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Samoa, American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Tonga, and New Zealand. The relay had been scheduled to visit Fiji but the country was omitted due to ongoing government instability at that time.^[1]

After the island tour the Flame arrived in Australia on 8 June. The relay was an extensive journey around the country, involving 11,000 torch-bearers and a variety of modes of transport. On 27 June the Flame was taken underwater, a first in the history of torch relays. Marine biologist Wendy Craig Duncan carried a special version of the torch for a three-minute trip around Agincourt Reef, a section of the Great Barrier Reef popular with divers. The torch was modified to carry a specially-designed flare that would burn at 2,000 degrees Celsius underwater while remaining as aesthetically similar to the normal flame as possible.^[6]

Date	Map
May 10 (Day 1): Olympia May 10 (Day 1): Pyrgos May 10 (Day 1): Amaliada May 10 (Day 1): Tripoli May 20 (Day 2): Athens May 20 (Day 3): Panathenaic Stadium	1 2 3
May 22 (Day 4): Hagåtña	4
May 23 (Day 5): Koror	5
May 24 (Day 6): Palikir	6
May 25 (Day 7): Yaren	7
May 26 (Day 8): Honiara	8
May 27 (Day 9): Port Moresby	9
May 28 (Day 10): Port Vila	10
May 29 (Day 12): Apia	11
May 30 (Day 13): Pago Pago	12
May 31 (Day 14): Avarua	13
June 2 (Day 15): Nukuʻalofa	14
June 5 (Day 16): Queenstown June 5 (Day 16): Christchurch June 6 (Day 17): Wellington June 7 (Day 18): Rotorua June 7 (Day 18): Auckland	15 16 17 18 19
June 8 (Day 1): Uluru June 8 (Day 1): Yulara June 8 (Day 1): Alice Springs	20 21
June 9 and 10 (Days 2 and 3): Mount Isa June 10 (Day 3): Toowoomba June 10 and 11 (Days 3 and 4): Warwick June 11 (Day 4): Maryvale June 11 (Day 4): Wyaralong June 11 (Day 4): Beaudesert June 11 (Day 4): Canungra June 11 (Day 4): Coolangatta June 11 and 12 (Days 4 and 5): Gold Coast June 12 (Day 5): Southport June 12 (Day 5): Oxenford June 12 (Day 5): Beenleigh June 12 (Day 5): Logan Central June 12 and 13 (Days 5 and 6): Forest Lake June 13 and 14 (Days 6 and 7): Ipswich June 14 and 15 (Days 7 and 8): Brisbane June 15 (Day 8): Redcliffe June 15 (Day 8): Caboolture June 15 (Day 8): Caloundra June 15 (Day 8): Bokarina June 15 (Day 8): Caloundra June 15 (Day 8): Sunshine Coast June 15 (Day 8): Nossavile June 15 and 16 (Days 8 and 9): Tewantin June 16 (Day 9): Kilkivan June 16 (Day 9): Gympie June 16 (Day 9): Cooroy June 16 (Day 9): Tewantin June 16 (Day 9): Goomeri June 16 (Day 9): Murgon June 16 (Day 9): Wondai June 16 (Day 9): Tingoora June 16 and 17 (Days 9 and 10): Kingaroy June 17 (Day 10): Tingoora June 17 (Day 10): Wondai June 17 (Day 10): Murgon June 17 (Day 10): Goomeri June 17 (Day 10): Kilkivan June 17 (Day 10): Curra June 17 (Day 10): Tinana June 17 and 18 (Days 10 and 11): Maryborough June 19 (Day 11): Howard June 19 (Day 11): Childers June 19 and 20 (Days 11 and 12): Bundaberg June 20 (Day 13): Gin Gin June 20 (Day 13): Miriam Vale June 20 (Day 13): Benaraby June 20 (Day 13): Tannum Sands June 20 (Day 13): Gladstone June 20 (Day 13): Mount Larcom June 20 and 21 (Day 13 and 14): Rockhampton June 21 (Day 14): Duaringa June 21 (Day 14): Bluff June 21 (Day 14): Blackwater June 21 (Day 14): Comet June 21 (Day 14): Emerald June 21, 22 and 23 (Days 14, 15 and 16): Mackay June 23 (Day 16): Kuttabul June 23 (Day 16): Mount Ossa June 23 (Day 16): Kolijo June 23 (Day 16): Calen June 23 (Day 16): Proserpine June 23 and 24 (Days 16 and 17): Airlie Beach June 24 (Day 17): Ayr June 24 (Day 17): Cannonvale June 24 (Day 17): Bowen June 24 (Day 17): Brandon June 24 and 25 (Days 17 and 18): Townsville June 25 (Day 18): Mission Beach June 25 (Day 18): El Arish June 25 (Day 18): Mourilyan June 25 (Day 18): Innisfail June 26 (Day 19): Townsville June 26 (Day 19): Ingham June 26 (Day 19): Malanda June 26 (Day 19): Atherton June 26 and 27 (Days 19 and 20): Cairns June 27 (Day 20): Port Douglas June 27 (Day 20): Agincourt Reef June 28 (Day 21): Cairns June 28 (Day 21): Horn Island June 28 (Day 21): Thursday Island	22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45
June 28 (Day 21): Nitmiluk National Park June 28 and 29 (Days 21 and 22): Katherine June 29 (Day 22): Kakadu National Park June 29 (Day 22): RAAF Base Tindal June 29 (Day 22): Cooinda Lodge June 29 (Day 22): Wurrumiyanga June 29 (Day 22): Nakara June 29 (Day 22): Nightcliff June 29 (Day 22): Parap June 29 and 30 (Days 22 and 23): Darwin	46 47
June 30 (Day 23): Kununurra June 30 (Day 23): Broome July 1 (Day 24): Port Hedland July 1 and 2 (Days 24 and 25): Karratha July 2 (Day 25): Carnarvon July 2 (Day 25): Geraldton July 2 and 3 (Days 25 and 26): Albany July 3 (Day 26): Denmark July 3 (Day 26): Walpole July 3 (Day 26): Northcliffe July 3 (Day 26): Pemberton July 3 and 4 (Days 26 and 27): Manjimup July 3 (Day 26): Bridgetown July 4 (Day 27): East Bunbury July 4 (Day 27): Eaton July 4 (Day 27): Australind July 4 and 5 (Days 27 and 28): Bunbury July 5 (Day 28): Brunswick July 5 (Day 28): Wokalup July 5 (Day 28): Yarloop July 5 (Day 28): Waroona July 5 (Day 28): Coolup July 5 (Day 28): Pinjarra July 5 (Day 28): Coodanup July 5 and 6 (Day 28 and 29): Mandurah July 6 and 7 (Days 29 and 30): Rockingham July 7 and 8 (Days 30 and 31): Bibra Lake July 8 (Day 31): Fremantle July 8 (Day 31): Perth July 8 (Day 31): Joondalup July 9 (Day 32): East Perth July 9 (Day 32): Guildford July 9 (Day 32): Midland July 9 (Day 32): Midvale July 9 (Day 32): Mundaring July 9 (Day 32): York July 9 (Day 32): Northam July 10 (Day 33): Meckering July 10 (Day 33): Cunderdin July 10 (Day 33): Tammin July 10 (Day 33): Kellerberrin July 10 (Day 33): Merredin July 10 and 11 (Days 33 and 34): Kalgoorlie July 11 (Day 34): Rawlinna July 11 (Day 34): Forrest
July 11 (Day 34): Cook July 11 and 12 (Days 34 and 35): Port Augusta July 12 (Days 35): Port Lincoln July 12 and 13 (Days 35 and 26): Port Pirie July 13 (Day 36): Tanunda July 13 (Day 36): Crystal Brook July 13 (Day 36): Yacka July 13 (Day 36): Clare Valley July 13 (Day 36): Barossa Valley July 13 (Day 36): Watervale July 13 (Day 36): Leasingham July 13 (Day 36): Nuriootpa July 13 (Day 36): Auburn July 13 (Day 36): Kapunda July 13 and 14 (Days 36 and 37): Tanunda July 14 (Day 37): Rowland Flat July 14 (Day 37): Lyndoch July 14 (Day 37): Gawler July 14 (Day 37): Elizabeth Downs July 14 (Day 37): Salisbury July 14 (Day 37): Golden Grove July 14 (Day 37): Wynn Vale July 14 and 15 (Days 37 and 38): Modbury July 15 (Day 38): Kilkenny July 15 (Day 38): Paradise July 15 (Day 38): Henley Beach July 15 (Day 38): West Lakes July 15 (Day 38): Glenelg July 15 and 16 (Days 38 and 39): Adelaide July 16 (Days 39 and 40): Morphett Vale July 16 and 17 (Days 40 and 41): Victor Harbor July 17 (Day 41): Strathalbyn July 17 and 18 (Days 41 and 42): Murray Bridge July 18 (Day 42): Tailem Bend July 18 (Day 42): Coonalpyn July 18 (Day 42): Tintinara July 18 (Day 42): Bordertown July 18 and 19 (Day 42): Naracoorte July 19 (Day 42): Mount Gambier
July 19 (Day 42): Casterton July 19 (Day 42): Hamilton July 19 (Day 42): Branxholme July 19 (Day 42): Condah July 19 (Day 42): Heywood July 19 and 20 (Days 42 and 43): Portland July 20 (Day 43): Yambuk July 20 and 21 (Days 43 and 44): Warrnambool July 21 (Day 44): Allansford July 21 (Day 44): Peterborough July 21 and 22 (Days 44 and 45): Port Campbell July 22 (Day 45): Lake Bolac July 22 (Day 45): Cobden July 22 (Day 45): Mortlake July 22 (Day 45): Woorndoo July 22 (Day 45): Lake Bolac July 22 (Day 45): Rossbridge July 22 (Day 45): Maroona July 22 and 23 (Days 45 and 46): Ararat July 23 (Day 46): Stawell July 23 and 24 (Days 46 and 47): Horsham July 24 (Day 47): Murtoa July 24 (Day 47): Rupanyup July 24 (Day 47): Marnoo July 24 (Day 47): St Arnaud July 24 and 25 (Days 47 and 48): Swan Hill July 25 (Days 48): Lake Boga July 25 (Days 48): Kerang July 25 (Days 48): Reedy Lake July 25 (Days 48): Echuca July 25 (Days 48): Moama July 25 and 26 (Days 48 and 49): Echuca July 26 (Day 49): Rochester July 26 (Day 49): Kyabram July 26 and 27 (Days 49 and 50): Shepparton July 27 (Day 50): Mooroopna July 27 (Day 50): Tatura July 27 (Day 50): Rushworth July 27 (Day 50): Colbinabbin July 27 (Day 50): Bendigo July 27 and 28 (Day 50 and 51): Maryborough July 28 (Day 51): Castlemaine July 28 (Day 51): Lake Wendouree July 28 and 29 (Days 51 and 52): Ballarat July 29 (Day 52): Geelong July 29 (Day 52): Buninyong July 29 (Day 52): Meredith July 29 (Day 52): Lethbridge July 29 (Day 52): Bacchus Marsh July 29 (Day 52): Melton July 29 (Day 52): Burnside July 29 (Day 52): Sunshine July 29 (Day 52): Footscray July 29 (Day 52): Flemington July 29 and 30 (Days 52 and 53): Melbourne July 30 (Day 53): Heidelberg West July 30 (Day 53): Essendon July 30 and 31 (Days 53 and 54): Melbourne Cricket Ground July 31 (Day 54): Dandenong July 31 (Day 54): Melbourne July 31 (Day 54): Port Melbourne
July 31 and August 1 (Days 54 and 55): Devonport August 1 (Day 55): Ulverstone August 1 (Day 55): Penguin August 1 (Day 55): Heybridge August 1 (Day 55): Burnie August 1 (Day 55): Somerset August 1 (Day 55): Wynyard August 1 (Day 55): Smithton August 1 (Day 55): Marrawah August 1 (Day 55): Arthur River August 1 (Day 55): Savage River August 1 (Day 55): Waratah August 1 (Day 55): Tullah August 1 (Day 55): Roseberry August 1 (Day 55): Zeehan August 1 (Day 55): Strahan August 1 and 2 (Days 55 and 56): Queenstown August 2 (Day 56): Ouse August 2 (Day 56): Hamilton August 2 (Day 56): Gretna August 2 (Day 56): Lawitta August 2 (Day 56): New Norfolk August 2 (Day 56): Bridgewater August 2 (Day 56): Austins Ferry August 2 (Day 56): Derwent Park August 2 (Day 56): Moonah August 2 and 3 (Days 56 and 57): Glenorchy August 3 (Day 57): Mt Nelson August 3 (Day 57): Battery Point August 3 (Day 57): Kingston August 3 (Day 57): Kingston Beach August 3 (Day 57): Storm Bay August 3 (Day 57): Port Arthur August 3 (Day 57): Rokeby August 3 and 4 (Days 57 and 58): Hobart August 4 (Day 58): Richmond August 4 (Day 58): Campania August 4 (Day 58): Colebrook August 4 (Day 58): Ross August 4 (Day 58): Campbell Town August 4 (Day 58): Cleveland August 4 (Day 58): Perth August 4 (Day 58): Youngtown August 4 and 5 (Days 58 and 59): Launceston August 5 (Day 59): Hadspen August 5 (Day 59): Carrick August 5 (Day 59): Hagley August 5 (Day 59): Deloraine August 5 (Day 59): Mole Creek August 5 (Day 59): Spreyton August 5 (Day 59): Devonport
August 6 and 7 (Days 60 and 61): Melbourne August 7 (Day 61): Mornington August 7 (Day 61): Berwick August 7 (Day 61): Mirboo North August 7 and 8 (Days 61 and 62): Morwell August 8 (Day 62): Port Albert August 8 (Day 62): Traralgon August 8 (Day 62): Rosedale August 8 (Day 62): Sale August 8 (Day 62): Stratford August 8 and 9 (Days 62 and 63): Bairnsdale August 9 (Day 63): Moe August 9 (Day 63): Trafalgar August 9 (Day 63): Yarragon August 9 (Day 63): Nilma August 9 and 10 (Days 63 and 64): Warragul August 10 (Day 64): Drouin August 10 (Day 64): Cockatoo August 10 (Day 64): Emerald August 10 (Day 64): Belgrave August 10 (Day 64): Sassafras August 10 (Day 64): Mount Dandenong August 10 and 11 (Days 64 and 65): Healesville August 11 (Day 65): Narbethong August 11 (Day 65): Buxton August 11 (Day 65): Eildon August 11 (Day 65): Thornton August 11 (Day 65): Alexandra August 11 (Day 65): Molesworth August 11 (Day 65): Yea August 11 and 12 (Days 65 and 66): Seymour August 12 (Day 66): Avenel August 12 (Day 66): Euroa August 12 (Day 66): Violet Town August 12 (Day 66): Benalla August 12 and 13 (Days 66 and 67): Wangaratta August 13 (Day 67): Beechworth August 13 (Day 67): Myrtleford August 13 (Day 67): Porepunkah August 13 (Day 67): Bright August 13 (Day 67): Harrietville August 13 and 14 (Days 67 and 68): Mount Hotham August 14 (Day 68): Mount Beauty August 14 (Day 68): Dederang
August 14 and 15 (Days 68 and 69): Albury August 15 (Day 69): Howlong
August 15 (Day 69): Yarrawonga
August 15 (Day 69): Mulwala August 15 (Day 69): Tocumwal August 15 (Day 69): Finley August 15 (Day 69): Jerilderie August 15 and 16 (Days 69 and 70): Griffith August 16 (Day 70): Yenda August 16 (Day 70): Barellan August 16 (Day 70): Ardlethan August 16 (Day 70): Grong Grong August 16 (Day 70): Narrandera August 16 (Day 70): Sandigo August 16 (Day 70): Galore August 16 (Day 70): Collingullie August 16 and 17 (Days 70 and 71): Wagga Wagga August 17 (Day 71): Junee August 17 (Day 71): Illabo August 17 (Day 71): Bethungra August 17 (Day 71): Cootamundra August 17 (Day 71): Wallendbeen August 17 (Day 71): Young August 17 (Day 71): Wombat August 17 and 18 (Days 71 and 72): Cowra August 18 (Day 72): Grenfell August 18 (Day 72): Caragabal August 18 (Day 72): West Wyalong August 18 (Day 72): Forbes August 18 and 19 (Day 72 and 73): Parkes August 19 (Day 73): Mildura August 19 and 20 (Days 73 and 74): Broken Hill August 20 (Day 74): Bourke August 20 (Day 74): Lightning Ridge August 20 and 21 (Days 74 and 75): Moree August 21 (Day 75): Gravesend August 21 (Day 75): Delungra August 21 (Day 75): Inverell August 21 and 22 (Days 75 and 76): Armidale August 22 (Day 76): Guyra August 22 (Day 76): Glencoe August 22 (Day 76): Glen Innes August 22 and 23 (Days 76 and 77): Tenterfield August 23 (Day 77): Tabulam August 23 (Day 77): Casino August 23 (Day 77): Lismore August 23 (Day 77): Alstonville August 23 and 24 (Days 77 and 78): Ballina August 24 (Day 78): Broadwater August 24 (Day 78): Woodburn August 24 (Day 78): Maclean August 24 (Day 78): Ulmarra August 24 (Day 78): Grafton August 24 (Day 78): Woolgoolga August 24 and 25 (Days 78 and 79): Coffs Harbour August 25 (Day 79): Kempsey August 25 (Day 79): Raleigh August 25 (Day 79): Urunga August 25 (Day 79): Nambucca Heads August 25 (Day 79): Macksville August 25 (Day 79): Frederickton August 25 (Day 79): Telegraph Point August 25 (Day 79): Telegraph Point August 25 and 26 (Days 79 and 80): Port Macquarie August 26 (Day 80): North Haven August 26 (Day 80): John's River August 26 (Day 80): Moorland August 26 (Day 80): Coopernook August 26 (Day 80): Cundletown August 26 (Day 80): Purfleet August 26 (Day 80): Taree August 26 (Day 80): Darawank August 26 (Day 80): Tuncurry August 26 and 27 (Days 80 and 81): Forster August 27 (Day 81): Pacific Palms August 27 (Day 81): Bulahdelah August 27 (Day 81): Karuah August 27 (Day 81): Raymond Terrace August 27 (Day 81): Hexham August 27 and 28 (Days 81 and 82): Newcastle August 28 (Day 82): Adamstown Heights August 28 (Day 82): Speers Point August 28 (Day 82): Blackalls Park August 28 (Day 82): Kilaben Bay August 28 (Day 82): Arcadia Vale August 28 (Day 82): Bonnells Bay August 28 (Day 82): Morisset August 28 (Day 82): Gorokan August 28 (Day 82): Wyong August 28 (Day 82): Killarney Vale August 28 (Day 82): Shelly Beach August 28 (Day 82): Wamberal August 28 (Day 82): Erina August 28 and 29 (Days 82 and 83): Gosford August 29 (Day 83): Wyong August 29 (Day 83): Mulbring August 29 (Day 83): Aberdare August 29 and 30 (Days 83 and 84): Cessnock August 30 (Day 84): Abermain August 30 (Day 84): Weston August 30 (Day 84): Kurri Kurri August 30 (Day 84): Cliftleigh August 30 (Day 84): Gillieston Heights August 30 (Day 84): Maitland August 30 (Day 84): Rutherford August 30 (Day 84): Greta August 30 (Day 84): Branxton August 30 (Day 84): Singleton August 30 (Day 84): Camberwell August 30 and 31 (Days 84 and 85): Muswellbrook August 31 (Day 85): Aberdeen August 31 (Day 85): Scone August 31 (Day 85): Wingen August 31 (Day 85): Murulla August 31 (Day 85): Blandford August 31 (Day 85): Murrurundi August 31 (Day 85): Willow Tree August 31 (Day 85): Braefield August 31 (Day 85): Quirindi August 31 (Day 85): Werris Creek August 31 (Day 85): Currabubula August 31 (Day 85): Duri August 31 (Day 85): Warral August 31 and September 1 (Days 85 and 86): Tamworth September 1 (Day 86): Somerton September 1 (Day 86): Gunnedah September 1 (Day 86): Coonabarabran September 1 (Day 86): Tannabar September 1 (Day 86): Tooraweenah September 1 (Day 86): Gilgandra September 1 and 2 (Days 86 and 87): Dubbo September 2 (Day 87): Geurie September 2 (Day 87): Wellington September 2 (Day 87): Molong September 2 (Day 87): Orange September 2 and 3 (Days 87 and 88): Bathurst September 3 (Day 88): Yetholme September 3 (Day 88): Lithgow September 3 (Day 88): Mount Victoria September 3 (Day 88): Blackheath September 3 (Day 88): Medlow Bath September 3 (Day 88): Katoomba September 3 (Day 88): Faulconbridge September 3 and 4 (Days 88 and 89): Penrith September 4 (Day 89): Kingswood September 4 (Day 89): Mulgoa September 4 (Day 89): Bringelly September 4 (Day 89): Narellan September 4 (Day 89): Campbelltown September 4 (Day 89): Camden September 4 (Day 89): Bargo September 4 (Day 89): Mittagong September 4 and 5 (Days 89 and 90): Bowral September 5 (Day 90): Moss Vale September 5 (Day 90): Sutton Forest September 5 (Day 90): Exeter September 5 (Day 90): Bundanoon September 5 (Day 90): Penrose September 5 (Day 90): Wingello September 5 (Day 90): Tallong September 5 (Day 90): Marulan September 5 (Day 90): Goulburn September 5 (Day 90): Breadalbane September 5 (Day 90): Gunning September 5 (Day 90): Yass September 5 (Day 90): Murrumbateman
September 5 (Day 90): Crace September 5 (Day 90): Downer September 5 (Day 90): Dickson September 5 (Day 90): Braddon September 5 and 6 (Days 90 and 91): Canberra September 5 (Day 90): Turner September 5 (Day 90): O'Connor September 5 (Day 90): Bruce September 5 (Day 90): Kaleen September 5 (Day 90): Lawson September 6 (Day 91): Belconnen September 6 (Day 91): Curtin September 6 (Day 91): Lyons September 6 and 7 (Days 91 and 92): Phillip September 7 (Day 92): Mawson September 7 (Day 92): Farrer September 7 (Day 92): Fadden September 7 (Day 92): Gowrie September 7 (Day 92): Richardson
September 7 (Day 92): Royalla September 7 (Day 92): Michelago September 7 (Day 92): Bredbo September 7 (Day 92): Cooma September 7 (Day 92): Berridale September 7 (Day 92): Jindabyne September 7 (Day 92): Mount Kosciuszko September 7 and 8 (Days 92 and 93): Thredbo September 8 (Day 93): Dalgety September 8 (Day 93): Nimmitabel September 8 (Day 93): Bemboka September 8 (Day 93): Numbugga September 8 and 9 (Days 93 and 94): Bega September 9 (Day 94): Quaama September 9 (Day 94): Cobargo September 9 (Day 94): Tilba September 9 (Day 94): Narooma September 9 (Day 94): Dalmeny September 9 (Day 94): Bodalla September 9 (Day 94): Moruya September 9 (Day 94): Mogo September 9 and 10 (Days 94 and 95): Batemans Bay September 10 (Day 95): Termeil September 10 (Day 95): Burrill Lake September 10 (Day 95): Ulladulla September 10 (Day 95): Milton September 10 (Day 95): Wandandian September 10 (Day 95): Basin View September 10 (Day 95): Sanctuary Point September 10 (Day 95): Falls Creek September 10 (Day 95): Nowra September 10 (Day 95): Berry September 10 (Day 95): Gerringong September 10 and 11 (Days 95 and 96): Kiama September 11 (Day 96): Bombo September 11 (Day 96): Kiama Downs September 11 (Day 96): Minnamurra September 11 (Day 96): Barrack Heights September 11 (Day 96): Shellharbour September 11 (Day 96): Shell Cove September 11 (Day 96): Warilla September 11 (Day 96): Lake Illawarra September 11 (Day 96): Windang September 11 (Day 96): Primbee September 11 (Day 96): Port Kembla September 11 (Day 96): Wollongong September 11 (Day 96): North Wollongong September 11 (Day 96): Fairy Meadow September 11 (Day 96): Towradgi September 11 (Day 96): Corrimal September 11 (Day 96): Russell Vale September 11 (Day 96): Woonona September 11 (Day 96): Bulli September 11 (Day 96): Thirroul September 11 (Day 96): Austinmer September 11 (Day 96): Coledale September 11 (Day 96): Wombarra September 11 (Day 96): Clifton September 11 (Day 96): Coalcliff September 11 (Day 96): Stanwell Park September 11 (Day 96): Stanwell Tops September 11 (Day 96): Otford September 11 (Day 96): Lilyvale September 11 (Day 96): Heathcote September 11 (Day 96): Engadine September 11 (Day 96): Yarrawarrah September 11 (Day 96): Loftus September 11 (Day 96): Sutherland September 11 (Day 96): Kirrawee September 11 (Day 96): Gymea September 11 (Day 96): Miranda September 11 (Day 96): Caringbah September 11 (Day 96): Woolooware September 11 and 12 (Days 96 and 97): Cronulla September 12 (Day 97): Woolooware September 12 (Day 97): Caringbah September 12 (Day 97): Miranda September 12 (Day 97): Sylvania September 12 (Day 97): Blakehurst September 12 (Day 97): South Hurstville September 12 (Day 97): Hurstville September 12 (Day 97): Penshurst September 12 (Day 97): Beverly Hills September 12 (Day 97): Riverwood September 12 (Day 97): Padstow September 12 (Day 97): Revesby September 12 (Day 97): Panania September 12 (Day 97): Hammondville September 12 (Day 97): Wattle Grove September 12 (Day 97): Casula September 12 (Day 97): Liverpool September 12 (Day 97): Warwick Farm September 12 (Day 97): Cabramatta September 12 (Day 97): Canley Heights September 12 (Day 97): Fairfield West September 12 (Day 97): Smithfield September 12 (Day 97): Merrylands West September 12 (Day 97): Merrylands September 12 and 13 (Days 97 and 98): Parramatta September 13 (Day 98): North Parramatta September 13 (Day 98): Oatlands September 13 (Day 98): Carlingford September 13 (Day 98): West Pennant Hills September 13 (Day 98): Pennant Hills September 13 (Day 98): Beecroft September 13 (Day 98): Cheltenham September 13 (Day 98): North Epping September 13 (Day 98): Macquarie Park September 13 (Day 98): East Ryde September 13 and 14 (Days 98 and 99): Hunters Hill September 14 (Day 99): Gladesville September 14 (Day 99): Ryde September 14 (Day 99): Concord West September 14 (Day 99): Concord West September 14 (Day 99): Concord September 14 (Day 99): Canada Bay September 14 (Day 99): Five Dock September 14 (Day 99): Haberfield September 14 (Day 99): Petersham September 14 (Day 99): Marrickville September 14 (Day 99): Enmore September 14 (Day 99): Newtown September 14 (Day 99): Chippendale September 14 (Day 99): Redfern September 14 (Day 99): La Perouse September 14 (Day 99): Little Bay September 14 (Day 99): Malabar September 14 (Day 99): Maroubra September 14 (Day 99): South Coogee September 14 (Day 99): Coogee September 14 (Day 99): Bondi September 14 (Day 99): Woollahra September 14 (Day 99): Surry Hills September 14 (Day 99): Darlinghurst September 14 (Day 99): Royal Botanic Garden September 14 (Day 99): Sydney September 14 (Days 99 and 100): Sydney Town Hall September 15 (Day 100): Darling Harbour September 15 (Day 100): Barangaroo September 15 (Day 100): Millers Point September 15 (Day 100): Dawes Point September 15 (Day 100): Milsons Point September 15 (Day 100): North Sydney September 15 (Day 100): Crows Nest September 15 (Day 100): St Leonards September 15 (Day 100): Artarmon September 15 (Day 100): Chatswood September 15 (Day 100): Roseville September 15 (Day 100): Roseville Chase September 15 (Day 100): Forestville September 15 (Day 100): Frenchs Forest September 15 (Day 100): Elanora Heights September 15 (Day 100): North Narrabeen September 15 (Day 100): Narrabeen September 15 (Day 100): Collaroy September 15 (Day 100): Dee Why September 15 (Day 100): Brookvale September 15 (Day 100): Curl Curl September 15 (Day 100): Freshwater September 15 (Day 100): Queenscliff September 15 (Day 100): Fairlight September 15 (Day 100): Fairlight September 15 (Day 100): Manly September 15 (Day 100): Taronga Zoo September 15 (Day 100): Manly September 15 (Day 100): Sydney September 15 (Day 100): Sydney Opera House September 15 (Day 100): Wentworth Point September 15 (Day 100): Sydney Olympic Park September 15 (Day 100): Olympic Stadium

Lighting of the cauldron

The Olympic cauldron

The Australian middle distance gold-medallist Herb Elliott carried the torch into Stadium Australia and passed it on to the final runners. The final succession of torch-bearers were selected to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of female participation in the Olympic Games^[7] (women were not allowed to compete at the inaugural 1896 Summer Olympics but were given the opportunity in 1900).^[8] Betty Cuthbert, Raelene Boyle, Dawn Fraser, Shirley Strickland, Shane Gould, and Debbie Flintoff-King, all medallists in previous Games, were given the honour of carrying the Flame before passing it to the final torch-bearer.^[7]

The cauldron was lit by Aboriginal athlete Cathy Freeman, a decision that was at the time reported as being a "bold political and social statement".^[7] Freeman was the first competing athlete to light the Olympic cauldron.^[9]^[10] Two elements from the torch concept, fire and water, were replicated in the design of the cauldron. Freeman stood atop a pool of water and lit a flame that surrounded her. Though a computer glitch delayed proceedings for a few minutes the Flame then lifted around Freeman.^[11]^[12]

The ten-year anniversary of the Games was celebrated in a special ceremony in 2010. Cathy Freeman and Paralympic champion Louise Sauvage (who was the final torchbearer at the Paralympic Games) lit the cauldron during an event attended by numerous athletes and school students.^[13]

References

Notes

1 2 3 "Official Report of the XXVII Olympiad, Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Volume Two - Celebrating The Games" (PDF). Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games. pp. 25–49. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
1 2 Sisk, Beth (18 January 2001). "Carrying a Torch for Engineering". National Engineers Week Foundation. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
↑ "Factsheet: The Olympic Torch Relay" (PDF). International Olympic Committee. October 2011. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
1 2 "‘Shame and Scandal in the Family’: Australian Media Narratives of the IOC/SOCOG" (PDF). Retrieved 8 August 2012.
↑ "Olympic torch sparks controversy". BBC News. 10 May 2000. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
↑ "Olympic flame goes underwater". BBC News. 27 June 2000. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
1 2 3 "Cathy Freeman Lights Flame At Olympic Games Opening Ceremony". Australian Politics. 15 September 2000. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
↑ "7 April 1896: Let the modern Games begin". Guardian News and Media Limited. 18 May 2011. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
↑ "Cathy Freeman lights up Australia". ESPN. 24 May 2012. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
↑ "Catherine Freeman". JCCM UK Ltd. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
↑ "Opening ceremony: Beautiful Sydney". BBC News. 8 August 2008. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
↑ Martella, Paul. "Opening Ceremony blunders". Yahoo!. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
↑ "10 years on, Olympic flame burns bright". ABC. 15 September 2010. Retrieved 7 August 2012.

Bibliography

Cahill, J. (1999) Running Towards Sydney 2000; A History of the Olympic Torch Relay, Walla Walla Press, Sydney

External links

Entry for the Olympic Cauldron at Sydney Olympic Park at the Australian Office of Environment & Heritage

Olympic torch relays
Summer Games	1936 1940 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 route 2012 2016 2020
Winter Games	1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 route 2014 2018 2022

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