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Highlights from September 15 - day one of the Sydney Olympics.

WHAT HAPPENED ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 - DAY ONE OF THE SYDNEY OLYMPICS

The opening ceremony, with Ric Birch as director of ceremonies and David Atkins as artistic director, was universally hailed as a triumph.

The crowning moment came when Cathy Freeman lit the cauldron, with her choice for the honour kept a closely-guarded secret.

Basketballer Andrew Gaze was the Australian flagbearer and Hockeyroos great Rechelle Hawkes took the athletes oath.

A total of 200 national Olympic committees participated at the Sydney Games, a record at the time.