400m

In what must have been the least surprising result of the whole Games, Michael Johnson won gold. He wanted to break his own world record but he didn't - though he managed to do everything else. Effectively, he is unbeatable.

His teammate Alvin Harrison looked the only man capable of getting anywhere near him. In fact, he did beat him, but that was in the semi and Johnson did no more than jog round. Harrison was well worthy of his silver, in 44.4 seconds, with bronze going to the worthy Greg Houghton.

Britain's hopes never materialised. Mark Richardson decided not to attend the Games, while Jamie Baulch and Sean Baldock failed to get past the first round.

Hope for the future, however, was provided by Daniel Caines who made the most of his last-minute entry to reach the semi-finals, breaking his personal best in every round and only fractionally missing out on the final.

In the women's event, destiny won. Cathy Freeman, Australia's darling, somehow managed to handle the massive amount of pressure her countrymen's expectation had heaped upon to her to win gold in style.

Her promised and much awaited head-to-head with Marie Perec never happened after the French runner stormed out of the Games amid accusations and recriminations.

From that point people were already hanging the gold around Freeman's neck. The whole of Australia held it's breath - and Freeman gave them what they wanted. The whole country celebrated raucously.

Silver went to Lorraine Graham of Jamaica, while Katherine Merry, struggling with illness, finished a highly creditable bronze and a personal best. Britain's future medal hopes were further encouraged by the performance of Donna Fraser, who showed much promise in finishing fourth.