The 2000 Summer Olympics were held in Sydney, Australia. The games were also known as the Millennium Games/Games of the New Millenium and the Games of the XXVII Olympiad.

The first medal of the games was awarded in the women's air rifle competition to Nancy Johnson of the United States.

Swimmer Ian Thorpe of Australia set a new world record in the 400 meter freestyle event with a time of three minutes and 40.59 seconds. He also won gold in the 4x100 meter and 4x200 meter freestyle relays.

Wrestler Rulon Gardner defeated Alexander Karelin of Russia to win the gold medal. Karelin had not lost a match in competition in the previous 13 years.

1. United States: 36
2. Russia: 32
3. China: 28
4. Australia: 16
5. Germany: 13
6. France: 13
7. Italy: 13
8. Netherlands: 12
9. Cuba: 11
10. United Kingdom: 11

NBC provided over 400 hours of total television coverage. However, due to the 15-hour time difference, American coverage was aired on tape delay rather than live. The only event to air live was the Men's Basketball gold medal game. The U.S. defeated France by a final score of 85-75.