Horses Gallop

The largest 'musical ride' (horse and riders choreographed to music) in history, the Opening Ceremony is launched by 120 riders from the Australian Stock Horse Society.

Led out into the stadium by a single rider, the horses represent Australia's rich equestrian background.

Performing to music from the hit Australian film, The Man From Snowy River, the riders welcome the crowd to the stadium with a rousing G'Day, a traditional Australia greeting.

Fire Dance

In one of the most exciting undertakings of this or any Olympic Opening Ceremony, Fire involves every member of the 110,000 strong crowd.

In their souvenir 'Globite' case, each audience member is given a wristband with a special movement sensitive light which, when worn and waved in the 'Fire' section of the Opening Ceremony creates a spectacular effect.

Accompanying this audience participation over 200 performers including flaming stilt walkers, fire breathers and flaming club swingers move across the stage symbolising an Australian bushfire.

The Climax

The Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay reached its climax with the lighting of the Official Cauldron by Australia's Cathy Freeman.

Highlighting the fact the Sydney 2000 Games is celebrating 100 years of women's involvement in the Olympics, the Torch was carried around the stadium by a posse of Australia's most revered female athletes.

Starting with track stars, Raelene Boyle and Betty Cuthbert, the Torch passed to swimming legend Dawn Fraser, then to runner Shirley Strickland de la Hunty, onto 70's teenage swimming sensation, Shane Gould, then athlete Debbie Flintoff- King, before it ended with the current star of the track, Cathy Freeman.

Magically combining the elements of fire and water, the lighting of the cauldron created another memorable moment in the pages of Olympic history.