Ten years since he was stolen from outside ANZ Stadium,and two decades on from The Dream,Roy and HG's unofficial mascot is going back where he belongs.
Politicians,business leaders and sports heavyweights united as never before to pull off one of the biggest coups in Australian history – to bring the Olympic juggernaut to Sydney.
Thirteen-year-old Nikki Webster had kept her starring role in the Sydney Olympics opening ceremony a secret from her parents. Then they sat down to watch.
In the first of a series of reports celebrating the anniversary of Sydney 2000,we reveal the story of the suit Cathy Freeman wore to victory in the 400m final.
Some thought it was inevitable. Most expected it. But it still had to be physically done,and in the year 2000 no one did it better than Ian Thorpe.
Thankfully for Australia,things went just as they were supposed to when the 4x200m won gold and,just for the benefit of the crowd,threw in a world record.
Seven years of insecurity,two weeks of triumph,one city of joy. The Olympic spirit infused Sydney - and the city reciprocated.
In the fourth of his five Olympics,Simon Fairweather won gold in a sport no Australian had won before - nor since.
Ahead of her showdown with Cathy Freeman in the 400m,Marie-Jose Perec,the reigning gold medallist,left town.
A five-centimetre mistake sends gymnasts tumbling out of competition Olympics.
The Australian women pulled off a victory for the ages - in and out of the pool.