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Rafter carries Olympic torch

Patrick Rafter has announced that he will carry the Olympic torch in Sydney the day before the opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games on Thursday 14 September.

The Australian will carry the torch around the Sydney Opera House. Olympic Tennis 2000

Tennis on the up Down Under

Sport Business magazine reports that the looming Sydney Olympic Games has sparked a regrowth in interest in sport in Australia. The 13th Sweeny Sports Report shows that overall interest in almost all the sports increased during the year.

Tennis features highly in all categories, placing fourth in what Australians will watch at the Olympics, fourth in overall interest, and third in TV viewing figures.

Sydney 2000
What Australians Will Watch
Swimming 86%
Track and field 76%
Gymnastics 62%
TENNIS 58%

Overall Interest Swimming 55%
Cricket 55%
Australian Rules Football 51%
TENNIS 49%

TV Viewing
Cricket 50%
Australian Rules Football 46%
TENNIS 41%
Swimming 37%

US stars look forward to Sydney

“To me the Olympic Games represent the core of what sports are all about - human challenge and triumph. The reward is pride - not anything material or short lived.”
Defending champion Andre Agassi

“I’ve always said since 1996 that I can’t wait to go back to the Olympics. We’re sending an unbelievably strong team and should probably win a lot of medals in Sydney.”
Atlanta winner Lindsay Davenport.