25 Years On: Sydney’s Golden Games and the Road to Brisbane 2032

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, those who were there can only look back on those two unforgettable weeks with warmth and pride.

In the lead-up, many Sydneysiders felt a mix of anticipation and hesitation, wondering how the Games would change the rhythm of their city and whether the disruption would outweigh the excitement. But the moment the Olympic torch reached our shores, a magical feeling swept across the nation. From the harbour to the suburbs, the buzz in the air was undeniable, and Sydney became a city alive with vibrancy, friendship, and excitement at every turn.

The volunteers were the heartbeat of the Games. With their bright smiles, colourful t-shirts, welcoming attitude, and tireless commitment, they created an overwhelmingly positive environment. Visitors and locals alike felt their generosity and pride, and their energy made the city glow as brightly as the Olympic flame.

Sydney’s iconic beauty was on full display. The harbour shimmered in the spring sun, Bondi Beach welcomed crowds from across the globe, and Darling Harbour became a hub of celebration. Even the daily commute changed. Train and bus rides, usually quiet and reserved, suddenly buzzed with conversation. Strangers compared notes on events, shared stories about their favourite athletes, or laughed about unexpected moments – like the unforgettable swim of Eric the Eel.

The Games also had their share of beloved characters. Who could forget Syd, Ollie, and Millie, the official mascots who became symbols of fun and friendship? And then there was Fatso the wombat, the cheeky underdog who captured hearts across the country. They added a lighthearted touch that made the Sydney Games feel uniquely Australian.

On a personal note, I was fortunate to spend those weeks working at the Pin Trading Centre in Darling Harbour. It was an experience like no other. Each day, I met people from around the world, swapping Olympic pins and sharing stories that highlighted just how connected we all felt during the Games. The Centre became a place where language and cultural barriers disappeared, replaced by laughter, shared memories of Olympics past, and the joy of collecting tiny pieces of Olympic history.

The Sydney Olympics also gave us sporting moments that will never be forgotten. Cathy Freeman’s 400 metre victory left the entire nation breathless; an image of unity and triumph that still gives goosebumps 25 years later. Ian Thorpe’s dominance in the pool made him a household name and a symbol of Australian sporting excellence at just 17 years of age! On Bondi Beach, Natalie Cook and Kerri Pottharst’s golden triumph in beach volleyball captured the relaxed, joyful spirit of the Games and gave Australians one of the most iconic victories of the fortnight. These legends, along with so many others, created a legacy that continues to inspire athletes today.

As we reflect on Sydney 2000, our eyes now turn toward Brisbane 2032. Queenslanders are famous for their hospitality and friendliness, and there’s no doubt their Games will be every bit as welcoming and unforgettable as Sydney’s. I can only hope my children will be able to attend and feel the same magic I did all those years ago; soaking up the atmosphere, the friendship, and the beauty of an Olympic city alive with energy and pride.

The Sydney 2000 Olympics were more than just a sporting event, they were a celebration of who we are as Australians. As Brisbane gets ready to welcome the world, we are supporting the Winter Olympians who are preparing for Milano Cortina 2026, with ClickView once again named as the Australian Olympic Committee’s official Education Platform for the Games.

ClickView will be bringing the magic of the Winter Olympics into classrooms with videos, resources and highlights from the games for primary and secondary students.

In the meantime, allow your students to experience some of those unforgettable Sydney 2000 moments with this topic and the special Olympics Unleashed video from the AOC featuring Aussie Olympic legends Elka Whalan, Kerri Pottharst and Emma Moffatt, ensuring the Olympic spirit in Australia lives on.