Bruce McAvaney and Tim Lane were there when Cathy Freeman took gold at the 2000 Olympics and describe the night as 'incredible'. But there were other highs that evening, that they say made it like no other.
Pinpoints of light from camera flashes sparkle around the crowd of 112,000 people, like stars on the clearest of nights.
Despite the pulling power of the sport's greatest names, however, this night is all about Freeman and the crushing weight of expectation on her slight, but strong figure.Lane says there was almost fear in the stadium when Freeman took to the track, because no-one wanted to see her fail."There was fear almost, because no-one wanted to see her fail in that moment and there'd rarely been an Olympic athlete step out under the sort of scrutiny and pressure that she'd been under.
"It was almost perfect in a way because it was just, this weight on her shoulders for four years and suddenly it was released and she had that beautiful moment to herself," McAvaney says. The greatest race of the night is next: Ethiopia's Haile Gebrselassie in the 10,000 metres, as he, like Johnson, tries to defend his Olympic title.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lanning's women intent on becoming 'one of the greatest teams that's ever played'Move aside Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden. Australia's world champion women's cricket side has not only set its sights on staying at the top but on becoming 'one of the greatest teams that's ever played' | wutube
Read more »
Legendary cricketer Dean Jones diesBREAKING: Legendary cricketer, coach and commentator Dean Jones has tragically died suddenly aged just 59. 9News Details:
Read more »
Scammers pretending to be police and ATO prompts fresh warningWARNING: Scammers are posing as police and asking people to hand over their personal information. 9News
Read more »
Two charged with murder over fatal stabbing on the Gold CoastPolice say a 27-year-old man was stabbed after a fight broke out on the edge of Cavill Mall in Surfers Paradise about 9:00pm yesterday. Two men are expected to face court today charged with murder and assault.
Read more »
Gold Coast almost like 'good old days' but border bubble nerves persistFrom October 1 there will more freedom of movement between NSW and Queensland, but many are holding their breath before celebrating.
Read more »
Tom Hanks spotted on Gold Coast after leaving hotel quarantineSuperstar Tom Hanks has been seen out of quarantine for the first time after his perceived special treatment with Qld’s strict border rules caused controversy.
Read more »