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Olympic Games

Hello!

The Rio Olympic games begin this weekend so in this post I am going to reflect on the Sydney 2000 Olympics and tell you all what events I'll be watching this year.



The Sydney Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXVII Olympiad, were held between 15th September and 1st October 2000. On the night of Friday, 15th September my whole family gathered in our lounge room to watch the opening ceremony which was spectacular! It showed many aspects of Australia and it's people - The great barrier reef and sea life, the indigenous occupation of the land, the arrival of the first fleet (the first European settlement in Australia) and the rural and constructions industries. The parade of athletes was one of my favourite moments of the ceremony. The Australian team arrived into the stadium to a standing ovation, thunderous applause and loud cheers from the spectators. It was a proud moment for all of them, in particular for basketball player Andrew Gaze who carried the Australian flag. While we were watching, a family member asked who we thought would light the cauldron and I said Cathy Freeman and I was right! The lighting of the Olympic flame was another favourite moment of mine. I loved seeing former Australian female medalists bring the torch through the stadium and finally hand it to Cathy who lit the cauldron with the flame surrounded by fire and water.

Photo: The Daily Telegraph

Photo: Sydney Morning Herald


For the next fifteen days, the whole nation was glued to there television sets or out at Olympic park to spectate some of the many sporting events. My parents, brother and I went to the Badminton one day. It was a great time to be out and about in Sydney. Wherever we were, we could hear cheers from the crowds, people chanting "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie... Oi, Oi, Oi!", it was a great atmosphere and felt good to just be out amongst the crowd.

I watched a few of the events on TV and the ones I mainly remember are Ian Thorpe, who was only 17 at the time, set a world record in the 400m Freestyle final, the exciting 4 x 100m freestyle relay with Ian Thorpe, Michael Klim, Ashley Callus and Chris Fydler and Cathy Freeman's 400m final win.

Photo: Courier Mail


At the closing ceremony, the International Olympic Committee president, Juan Antonio Samaranch said "I am proud and happy to proclaim that you have presented to the world the best Olympic Games ever." The Sydney Olympics truly were amazing and I think it would be great if Sydney could host the games again!

The Rio Olympics opening ceremony is on Saturday morning at 6am and I will be recording it to watch later. I am looking forward to watching it. Like Sydney's opening ceremony it will show different aspects of Brazil and it's people. It will be great to see what this country, which I know nothing about, has to offer, I am not very interested in sports but during the Olympics, I like to watch the swimming, athletics and Gymnastics. The only Australian athletes I know competing in these games are Sally Pearson (Athletics) and Larissa Miller (Gymnastics). In Gymnastics, I'm really looking forward to seeing Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles (USA Gymnasts) Gabby Douglas is an inspiration. I've read her book and seen her movie, she has had a tough life but is very successful now. If you read my previous post, 'Why I like biographies,' you'll know that I like those types of stories.

Sally Pearson - Athletics
Photo: news.com.au

Larissa Miller - Gymnastics
Photo: oasport.it

Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas - Gymnastics
Photo: olympics.nbcsports.com

I always love the Olympic Games period. This is one time people from all over the world can come together to enjoy sports and cheer on the athletes. There must be a party atmosphere in Rio right now. Good luck to all the athletes, coaches, and everyone involved in these games. I hope Australia can bring home some medals.

GO AUSTRALIA!!!!




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