Oly, whose name is derived from “Olympic”, is an Australian kingfisher. Their unmistakable cry, which sounds like human laughter, is very loud. Oly was sociable, loyal and enthusiastic, embodying the Olympic values of generosity and friendship

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Millie, whose name is taken from “millennium”, is an echidna, a highly intelligent egg-laying mammal (closely related to the platypus). They use their long sticky tongues (around 18 cm) to feed on ants and termites. Millie was always optimistic and forward-looking: she personified the hopes of Sydney at the start of the new millennium

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Human-sized Millie and Oly in a stadium

©Getty Scott Barbour

Syd – who gets his name from “Sydney” – is a platypus, one of the world’s strangest animals. This egg-laying mammal has the beak of a duck, the body of an otter and the tail of a beaver. Syd was given a dynamic and strong-willed character, as his energy and vigour were supposed to reflect those of Australia and its inhabitants

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By winning a gold medal in rowing (coxless four) at the Sydney Games, Great Britain’s Steven Redgrave joined the very small group of athletes who have won a gold medal at five successive editions of the Olympic Games. Indeed, before his win in Sydney, Redgrave had already won gold medals at the Los Angeles 1984 (coxed four), Seoul 1988 (coxless pair), Barcelona 1992 (coxless pair) and Atlanta 1996 (coxless pair) Games. ©Getty Nick Wilson

The reverse of the medal, designed by Australian sculptor of Polish origin Wojciech Pietranik, presents several elements: the Olympic rings, a lit torch and, in the background, the Sydney Opera House. To this is added the inscription of the name of the athlete who won the medal as well as the discipline

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