A super ceremony?

Giant jellyfish, Aboriginal stilt-walkers and the customary fire-eaters have all made spectacular appearances at the Olympic Stadium - but what does it all mean?

And how does the opening ceremony for Sydney 2000 compare to previous Olympic curtain-raisers?

The Olympics has seen a plethora of eye-catching ceremonies - but which was the best of the lot?

Los Angeles 1984 had a stuntman flying through the air on a jet-pack, the highlight of Barcelona 1992 was an archer lighting the flame with a blazing arrow and in Atlanta four years ago the show was stolen by Mohammad Ali.

Did the Australian organisers, with their colourful national history played out in song and dance, match the efforts of their predecessors?

Maybe you think these ceremonies are an irrelevant distraction from the main event, simply a waste of time and money?

Or perhaps you enjoy the spectacle of such shows more than the sport itself?

Tell us what you think?

Yes it is true, Australians are not all crocodile wrestling Paul Hogans. This was our chance to show the rest of world what Australia is all about and we didn't waste the opportunity. While i appreciate there were things that only Australians would understand, there is no need to be negative about it, labelling it a waste of time and money. The show has the chance to raise a lot more money for our economy through tourism now. Besides if it was such as waste of time why didn't you switch the channel to watch shows such as Home & Away or Neighbours to get a totally false picture of what this great country is about. The opening ceremony was the real Australia and made me proud to be an Aussie.
Waller.B, Down Under

A supremely wonderful assault on all the senses. Despite being a Samoan national residing temporarily in Sydney I couldn't help but be immensely proud for Sydney and Australia. A job extremely well done. The best of luck to Freeman and Thorpe who carry the hopes and dreams of a nation.
Christine Palefuiono Sa'aga, Australia

The opening ceremony was the real Australia and made me proud to be an Aussie.

  Waller.B, Down Under

I thought the Australian ceremony was fabulous. It was spectacular but also moving and with a simplicity which was a pleasure to watch.
Jean Brock, England

Well, it seems that I am going to have to go against the grain of the (mainly Australian) contributions on this subject and say that the opening ceremony, like most others, was over-long, excessive and over-indulgent, if not a little tacky, too. Seen one and you've seen them all - they all contain the same things: one or more cute little children singing, things 'billowing' poetically, becostumed people running about like agitated mosquitos, people on stilts. Oh dear. Every city is desperate to out-do the last, so each ceremony is ever-longer, ever more lavish and thus ever more boring. Men in check-shirts playing with cardboard boxes was a baffling inclusion, thankfully some real Austalian culture (Aboriginal) was also included, and granted, the lighting of the flame was magnificent.
Gareth Rhys-Morgan, Wales

Great show spoilt for those watching in the USA by the pathetic NBC coverage. The entrance of the Great Britain team was cut-off for the ads even though the event was recorded 15 hours before. Thank goodness for the BBC website. World Service may be off the web for the duration, but at least the BBC news page is giving the results. Congratulations Sydney from someone who lives in Atlanta.
Hugh, USA

A brilliant ceremony, probably the best I've seen.

  Peter Neville, Scotland

As an Australian living abroad, I thought the opening ceremony of the Sydney2000 Olympic games was magnificent. Congratulations Australia, always and forever the country of artistic expression.
Layla Andary, Lebanon

A brilliant ceremony, probably the best I've seen. The only problem was I had left the video running to record it while I was at work and the BBC swapped channels before the torch was even lit. I've only just found out who lit it.
Peter Neville, Scotland

As an Irish Dancer in the Ceremony, I enjoyed it so much. The atmosphere as we were just about to go on was electrifying. Thank you to everyone who had anything to do with the ceremony. I think the news teams and papers sort of forgot all the little people, who without us, the whole show would have been missing something. I am just so happy to have had the experience.
Sarah, Australia

The opening ceremony seems to become an Olympic sport in its own, each hosting country trying to out do the previous, maybe Australia should get a gold medal for this!
Dinesh, England

Many thanks to all Australian taxpayers for an awesome display of unity.

  Salote Qoriniasi, Fiji Islands.

My wife is Korean and the simple show of Korean unity meant a great deal to her.
Spid, UK

I loved the tongue in cheek humour of it all. My main concern is that 99% of people outside of Australia wouldn't have a clue what it all meant. Perhaps we were being just a little self-indulgent...but then why not?
Maggie Churchward, Australia

Great opening ceremony coverage only spoilt by the commentary by Barry Davies-he was hypercritical, lacking in enthusiasm and generally seemed tired and bored with the whole occasion.
David Lee, Wales

Glad to see you've changed your headline and there are lots more positive comments this morning. Reading the comments here yesterday, you wonder why we get called whinging poms! Surely the best opening ceremony in a long time, maybe ever.
Neil Saunders, Sydney, Australia

I loved the tongue in cheek humour of it all

  Maggie Churchward, Australia

Many thanks to all Australian taxpayers for an awesome display of unity. The inclusion of the indigenous Aborigines gives us some sense of hope in the South Pacific Islands.
Salote Qoriniasi, Fiji Islands.

What a tremendous ceremony. The single horseman and the Man from Snowy River theme brought tears to my eyes and to the eyes of most of us rural people who live in the Snowy River Country. If you could have seen the reactions on all the faces in our town's pub - just that alone was worth a million bucks. Thank you Sydney and Australia for remembering us.
Jena, Australia

Apart from the big brass band, which seemed pointless and not Australian, I thought it was terrific. Loved the tap dancers.
Ray Marsh, Australia

We must celebrate being alive on occasions, and I I think that's what our opening ceremony did, regardless of the cost. My father ran in the torch relay in Victoria and described it as one of the happiest moments of his life, as a crowd cheered him on, full of good will. An occasion that brings my nation together, regardless of race, is worth more to me than money.
Andrew , Australia

I thought the flag bearer for Mongolia was sensational. His simple costume and dignified bearing showed up the opulent rich nations who have no end of money to spare for sport. Congratulations to the Mongolians, Bhutanese and other small nations, for whom getting to the games is a truly Olympian feat.
Denise, Canberra Australia

I thought the flag bearer for Mongolia was sensational.

  Denise, Canberra Australia

As an Indian citizen studying in Australia, even I was moved almost to tears by sheer pride in this land Down Under. The opening ceremony was a magnificent spectacle, and in retrospect, I wonder why we even debated who would light the cauldron: the choice of Cathy Freeman was perfect... she, more than any other Olympian past or present, is a true reflection of Australia today.
Miriam, India/Australia

The choice of Cathy Freeman was an excellent idea, having recently been in Australia, I could truly understand the significance of this. It was truly a fantastic show, and just one of the many things I will remember is the Aboriginal icon - the face with eyes and nose but no mouth to pass no judgement.
Michelle, Zimbabwe

Opening OS Sydney: I saw a perfectly organized display of happy people, in a happy country. A real great party!
JJ, Netherlands

Watching the torch pass on that last lap through the hands of those great ladies of the Olympics put a lump in my throat. I would have changed the order to go from youngest to oldest, but you can't have everything. You would need to be Australian to understand how those ladies, and the eight flag bearers are revered in Australia. Follow that Athens.
Roger Wilkinson, Australia

I watched the opening ceremony at school. I thought it was brilliant.

  Katie partridge, England

Its unexplainable. Beautifuly crafted, can you think of a better description than that? Welldone Australia
Torab Ilyas Ahmed, Pakistan

I thought that the opening ceremony for the Olympics was the best ever, better than other Olympics and also better than other ceremonies like the world cup and Euro 2000. Despite the long introducing of nations I thought that it was a pleasure to watch, thumbs up Australia!
Darren Palmer, England

I watched the opening ceremony at school. I thought it was brilliant.
Katie partridge, England

I felt sure that Dame Edna Everage would be the one lighting the flame.... And I looked forward to an address by "cultural attaché" Les Patterson, perhaps flanked by drag queens. Ah well! I 'll remember these Olympics anyway for the only touch of real humour I can ever remember in an opening ceremony: from boxed sheep to lawn-mowing suburbanites!
Janet, UK expat in Japan

I was fighting back the tears of pride as the show went on but when Cathy lit the flame, I was reduced to a blithering homesick mess, as was every one else in the room.

  Paul, Paris France

I'm surprised to hear that anyone who has just witnessed this spectacle could possibly think that a) it was a waste of money, and b) will only be remembered for the delays in lighting the cauldron. Has the world ever seen such a fantastic Opening Ceremony? And did the feeling of "Unity" as one earth all not move us? Just for a few hours? All athletes from every nation standing together in awe of what was before them? Surely that is what the Olympics is all about? Surely even the hardest of critics felt something when Korea walked out as one nation together for the first time in so many years grasping hands? It brought me close to tears. I am so proud to be Australian for in watching these events; I have come to realise the openness, and friendliness, the beauty and the warmth that surrounds me every day. We showed the world our heart. Well done Sydney! And well done Australia.
Ali Evans, Sydney, Australia

Wonderful show Sydney. I was fighting back the tears of pride as the show went on but when Cathy lit the flame, I was reduced to a blithering homesick mess, as was every one else in the room.
Paul, Paris France

I was spell bound by the artistic display. I think it was wonderful.
Ade Ayonrinde, Perth, Australia

The flame was magnificent with Cathy in a Ring of Fire. The singing though was extremely boring. Can't they ever compose some decent melodies for a change?
Peter, Australia

I was spell bound by the artistic display. I think it was wonderful.

  Ade Ayonrinde, Perth, Australia

How can an event that runs at a profit be a waste of money? Australia's contribution to the millennium was spectacular, entertaining and (unlike the dome) will make a profit!
Simon, Oxford, UK

While agreeing that it was spectacular to watch I could not help thinking that it was far too long. My concern was not for those who had seats but the athletes, who will be performing over the next two weeks. I think they should all be awarded a gold medal for valour beyond the call of duty. I reckon they must have been on their feet, being herded around for many more hours than I could endure, and all with tremendous good humour.
Clare Ansdell, England

Only one word sprang to mind as Cathy Freeman lit the Flame: HOPE. Hope for the future. For Australia, and the world.
Juan Carlos Panagiotakes, Greece

The lawnmowers, Abby, in answer to your query, was about suburban Australians and the drive that consumed a whole post-war generation to settle on a quarter-acre block in the suburbs with a lawn and a Hills-hoist - A Hills-hoist? That's another story.
Keith, Australia

Only one word sprang to mind as Cathy Freeman lit the Flame: HOPE.

  Juan Carlos Panagiotakes, Greece

Big expenditure displayed at events like these is a way to keep the poor nations from even imagining to host the Olympics.
Paul Sigombe, Uganda

The opening ceremony was excellent. As a non-sporty Scottish ex-pat, even I feel proud of Australia. Well done Australia and good luck.
Hamish, Australia

Tonight Sydney and Australia set a standard that will not be surpassed for a very, very long time ... if ever ! We offer this to the world in total peace and harmony. Humanity can learn a great deal from the messages that Australia sent to all of us tonight. Our wish is that we all will.
Aussie, Australia

The Aussies put a huge amount of effort into the opening ceremony - which went off relatively hitch free - and surely the image of Aboriginal Kathy Freeman standing on water encircled by flame in the Olympic cauldron is one that will be remembered for a very long time. As a Scot living down under I applaud the Aussies and hope that the rest of the games are just as memorable
Rachel Linton, Australia

Tonight Sydney and Australia set a standard that will not be surpassed for a very, very long time ... if ever !

  Aussie, Australia

Well done Australia for showing the world what you're made of!
Michele Walliker, UK/Australia

I have seen all the opening game celebrations since LA and the emotion and pride that the 2000 opening celebrations caused should make the Australian people proud. I for one thought it was 4hrs 20 mins worth watching!
Ken , UK

It's good to see that the indigenous people were included. Where was Rolf though?
Andy, England

The Olympics is an occasion for all to enjoy. It is not only a great competition but also entertainment. The opening ceremony is part of the entertainment!
Henry, England

The ceremony encompassed what Australia is

  Colin Smith, Australia

Sydney was on fire. I could see the fireworks from my house. It was a fantastic ceremony, which united the world.
Saqib Khan, Australia

The ceremony encompassed what Australia is. Diverse, very sports minded, interesting, warm, friendly, talented, unique and definitely laid back - it was a great spectacle and Australians will be proud tonight.
Colin Smith, Australia

The Opening Ceremony has, is and will always be a three-hour bore. The white settlers should have given the money spent in creating this 'spectacular' to the Aborigines who had their lands taken. That would be a little more in keeping with the Olympic Spirit.
Dermot Keyes, Ireland

I may be biased as an Aussie but I think the ceremony was absolutely magnificent. Novel concepts such as audience participation certainly set it apart from previous Olympic Opening ceremonies. As for the lighting of the cauldron, simply spectacular. I find your reporters' claims that the ceremony "ended in embarrassment" highly confusing. The cauldron ascended at the end of the musical piece as I'd expected it to. If there was a technical glitch, it was only minor, certainly not the main thing the ceremony will be remembered for, as your report claims.
Peter, Australia

The lighting of the flame took an eternity. It was worth it.

  Matthew, Australia

Even though the lead up to Sydney was full of IOC corruption, ticketing scandals and drugs controversy, I thought the Opening Ceremony was wonderful without being too showy. International audiences may not have understood the symbolism used in the ceremony but it meant a great deal to Australians.
Jad Lawton, Australia

The lighting of the flame took an eternity. It was worth it.
Matthew, Australia

A wonderful and 'personal' presentation of Australia, and a fantastic start for the games. Cathy Freeman was the right choice.
Ralph, England

Just breathtaking! You had to be here to really appreciate the glamour and glitz of the show. Well done Australia. I'm so proud to be an Aussie!
Skip, Australia

The atmosphere was wonderful and the city was buzzing.

  David, Australia

At least you have seen it. Here in the USA, there is no live coverage. NBC will show it tonight at 8pm, and pretend that it is live. Most Americans are stupid enough to believe them.
Wat Tyler, Ex Pat UK in the USA

The Opening of the Games was spectacular. Sydney had big screen TV's all over the city for everyone to watch. The atmosphere was wonderful and the city was buzzing. Well done Sydney
David, Australia

I have had the pleasure of watching the Olympic Park develop from brick pits and cattle yards to the magnificent area it is now. Tonight's opening was worth every dollar and cent paid. It was a fantastic opening and, we welcome the world to enjoy it with us Aussies.
Michael Watson, Australia

I don't think the opening ceremonies are a distraction to the main event. The Olympics is awarded to different countries in order for us to experience the different cultures and societies of these countries, and to give us all an insight into where the athletes are from. The opening ceremonies simply represent that and give us an idea of what is to come.
Seton, England

Why must so much money be wasted on things like this?

  Chris Chow, UK

As an Australian in exile.. trapped in my office watching only the still images via Web Cam, I am almost moved to tears. I should be there!
Patrick Dalton, UK

A colourful spectacle, full of creativity and entertainment. BRILLIANT
Latif Khan, England

The live pictures on the web looked pretty good! Looks like a good show. Well done Australia.
Kevin Aires, UK

Why must so much money be wasted on things like this? What is wrong with the parade of athletes with flags and a speech from the big boss? It seems that every Olympic has to outdo the last one in this kind of pointless money wasting.
Chris Chow, UK

The live pictures on the web looked pretty good!

  Kevin Aires, UK

A wonderful ceremony and a credit to all involved
Cathy, England

It would be hard to have bettered Sydney's Opening Ceremony. The section that replicated Sir Sidney Nolan's paintings were especially resonant for us Australian's - that and the delightful use of corrugated iron. (You have to be an Aussie to understand.)
Richard Perkins, Adelaide, Australia

What a waste. Why not keep it simple and give the millions of dollars saved to the homeless and destitute. Surely that is more in keeping with the Olympic spirit? Or am I missing the point?
Chris, UK

I have been nervous about the show after the boxing kangaroos, but I think the show showed quite a degree of sophistication. Given some of the things we do with our money, I beleive it was a spectacular feel good show and excellent value. I loved it.
Lawrie, Australia

What a waste. Why not keep it simple and give the millions of dollars saved to the homeless and destitute?

  Chris, UK

The part of the ceremony that is the most thrilling is the march of the athletes into the stadium. Why not leave it at that?
Marilyn Peters, England

A stunningly well co-ordinated display. The transitions were so seamlessly managed. The marching band was stunning - as a pro musician I was amazed at their precision whilst executing such complex manoeuvres! Worth every penny!
Walter Brewster, UK

Really enjoyable - The Aussies should be applauded, and in answer to those it is a waste of time and money - of course it is, and so enjoy it!!
Patrick, Great Britain

Great opening ceremony...but what were the lawnmowers about?
Abby Abdullah, UK

Great opening ceremony...but what were the lawnmowers about?

  Abby Abdullah, UK

Vibrant & well delivered, a real spectacle. Well done Oz!
Charles, England

I normally think these things are a waste of time and a bit daft, but this one was truely spectacular -- excellent costumes, choreography and great entertainment. Usually I'd switch off, but this time I had to keep watching.
Alex, UK

I have been watching the opening ceremony it is really different. Fantastic. CONGRATULATIONS to Australia.
Iqbal Javed, Pakistan

A ridiculous waste of time and money - but at least it was less cringing than Atlanta!
Philip, England