Sydney Olympics 2000: Karnam Malleswari became India's 1st woman medallist

THE first Olympics of the 2000s were held in Sydney, Australia, and the United States bagged the top position in this edition with 93 medals, including 37 golds, 24 silvers and 32 bronzes. Russia finished a close second with 89 medals that included 32 golds, 28 silvers and 29 bronzes. Hosts Australia finished fourth in the medals’ tally with 16 golds, 25 silvers and 17 bronzes.

The Sydney Olympics were known as the Millennium Olympic Games of the Games of the New Millennium. Held in September-October of 2000, this edition was the second one held Down Under and in the Southern Hemisphere, after the Melbourne Games of 1956.

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Juan Moreno of the the US throws a kick in the Mens Taekwondo during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. (Photo by: Darren England/Getty Images)

Here are some fun facts of the 2000 Olympics:

• The opening ceremonies of the Sydney Games celebrated the history of Australia, especially the unique cultures and contributions made by the the Aboriginal peoples of the continent.

• The Olympic flame was lit by Aboriginal runner Cathy Freeman.

• There were three mascots at this Olympic - Syd the Platypus, Millie the Echidna, and Olly the Kookaburra.

• Birgit Fischer of Germany won two golds in kayaking to become the first woman in any sport to win medals 20 years apart.

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• Karnam Malleswari became the first Indian woman to bag an Olympic medal when she won a bronze in weightlifting.

• Cameroon won a historic gold in football when they beat Spain in the men’s football final.

• Several events were included at the Games for the first time, including men’s and women’s taekwondo, trampoline, triathlon, and synchronized diving.

• It was in Sydney that the women took part in weightlifting and the modern pentathlon for the very first time.

• Russian gymnast Alexei Nemov won six individual medals at this edition, including two golds.