Celebrating the 25 year milestone of the Olympic Games in Sydney, the Wide World of Sports presents Sydney 2000: The Best Ever, from Wednesday, October 8 on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Across 17 days of marvel that shaped Australia, Sydney 2000: The Best Ever travels the globe to find the superstars who helped make those two weeks in spring so memorable, while revealing the legacy and impact those moments had on this nation across two magical one hour films.
Speaking with Cathy Freeman in Uluru, Ian Thorpe back at the pool in Homebush, finding Pieter van den Hoogenband at home in the Netherlands, heartbroken Aussie race walker Jane Saville in Spain and “Eric The Eel” Moussambani in Africa, the biggest characters relive their memories.
All the biggest stories from the games are captured, from the beach volleyball party in Bondi, to the heartbreaking gold medals in the velodrome, International champions such as Michael Johnson and Sir Steve Redgrave describe the global reach, Kurt Fearnley and Louise Sauvage explore the social impact of the Paralympics, and two memorable stars take us back to the opening ceremony.
Off the field we reveal the extraordinary events that occurred behind the scenes with the power brokers who helped orchestrate the successful bid in 1993, to those immortal words “The best Games ever”, delivered by IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch to encapsulate the global impact Australia had on the world.
This is for those to relive what they witnessed in Sydney in 2000, and those who weren’t so fortunate to enjoy the ride.
Head of Creative and Innovations at Nine Wide World of Sports, Alex Rolls, said: “These two beautifully crafted films magnificently capture Australia at its glorious best for that famous fortnight in spring 25 years ago.
“The sporting, cultural and societal impact is plain to see and for that we thank all of the Olympic legends who star in the shows. Get ready to go on the incredible journey from winning the bid to the closing ceremony, as we hope to put a huge smile on your face and immense pride in what we can achieve as a nation. Bring on Brisbane 2032.”
Sydney 2000: The Best Ever premieres Wednesday October 8 at 8.35pm on Channel 9 following The Block.
