The opening ceremony to commemorate the 27th Olympic Games has begun with the Australian whip-cracking equivalent of cowboys, parading in formation and trailing Olympic flags to form the five Olympic rings in the main Olympic arena.
The colorful ceremony was the culmination of a wave of Olympic euphoria which has swept through Sydney on Friday, as a million people poured onto the city's streets to greet the arrival of the Olympic flame ahead of the opening of the world's greatest sporting extravaganza
The focal point for many of the crowds was the final leg of the Olympic Torch's marathon 100-day odyssey.
The flame began the day being carried up and over Sydney Harbor bridge and finished its tour of the city at sunset when Australian swimmer Samantha Riley scaled the world-famous Opera House to cheers from thousands.
The flame was transported to a packed Stadium Australia, the main Olympic venue.
But just who will light the cauldron at the conclusion of the ceremony remained firmly under wraps.
Several pundits have speculated it could be jointly lit by Aboriginal golden girl Cathy Freeman, who will attempt a sprint double at these games and Australian Olympic hero Betty Cuthbert, who won four golds in 1956 and 1964.
Olympics Minister Michael Knight said the torch lighter had been informed of his or her job.
"I have made the decision and the person or persons are now aware of their role," he said.
And while there will be no seats to spare in the 110,000-capacity Stadium Australia over a million others are expected to celebrate the opening in the streets of Sydney.
Heads of state and Hollywood stars will be in the crown at Stadium Australia.
Famous Australian golfer Greg Norman was overwhelmed after taking the torch across Sydney Harbor bridge earlier Friday.
"It really is just indicative of the spirit of what's going on here," Norman told Channel Seven.
"I made the comment when we were driving back that when you see that many people with a smile on their face then we must be doing something right ... it's lifted this country up in a huge way."
Planned protests and civil disorder threatened by indigenous rights campaigners also failed to materialize - SYDNEY (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
