In the 2000 Olympic Games at Sydney, Australia had to prove it could host the world and Australian athletes had to prove they could compete against the world. While Australia may not have led the medal count, two hometown heroes became international figures. One embodied Australia's love for all things sports, the other represented the country's past and present. On the first day of competition, 17-year-old swimmer Ian Thorpe earned international fame and the affection of all Australians by edging American Gary Hall Jr. on the anchor leg of the 400-meter freestyle relay. Thorpe finished with three gold medals and two silvers. Australian Cathy Freeman became a part of Olympic history even before she won gold in the 400 meters, the first ever for an Aborigine. Carrying the hope of reconciliation and the Olympic flame, Freeman ignited the cauldron at the Opening Ceremonies.
