In January 1997, SOCOG unveiled its trio of mascots a platypus named Syd, an echidna named Millie and a kookaburra named Olly for the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics.
The names of the mascot trio are derived from the Games Syd for the host city, Millie for the year and the new millennium, and Olly for the Olympics themselves.
The three mascots are based on animals that are unique to Australia, and their selection and coloring represent land, air and water. Their colors are also consistent with the colors used in the Sydney 2000 logo.
The mascots were designed by Matthew Hatton, an Australian graphic designer and illustrator. As with to other Olympics, the mascots are introduced by a story or legend about how they came to be.
The Legend
As a severe summer storm swept across Australia, three young animals a platypus, an echidna and a kookaburra found themselves forced out and away from their homes. Frightened by the lightning and thunder, the three escaped to the same protected hollow, huddling together for safety.
Just then, the storm stopped and the clouds parted, revealing 2,000 stars scattered across the Australian night sky. The constellations include the Southern Cross.
Informing the three young animals of their arrival at Millennium Park, the Spirit of the Southern Cross asked the trio to serve as mascots for a grand, global celebration an event called the Olympics, which meshes peace and friendship with sports and culture.
Each was given a name and an Olympic attribute as well as the mark of the Southern Cross.
Coming from the waters was the platypus, which was named Syd for the Australian host city of Sydney. Described as dynamic and a natural leader, Syd is to embody the care and concerns of the environment as well as represent the character of Australia.
From the land came the echidna, which was named Millie. The smart and savvy animal is to represent the new millennium and the hope and optimism that accompany the year 2000.
And hailing from the air was the kookaburra, with its name of Olly saluting the Olympic Games. Olly was called to be custodian of the five Olympic rings and the ethos and history that they represent.
Together, the threesome serve as worldwide symbols representing the Australian environment, Australia as a nation and Olympic ideals during the 2000 Sydney Summer Games.
The mascots
Syd the platypus
Named after the host city of the 2000 Summer Games, Syd the platypus is said to live in a burrow along the water banks of Millennium Park.
Described as a team player and a natural leader, Syd is the dynamic member of the mascot threesome, and sometimes doubles as a cheerleader.
Syd is the mascot who champions the environment as well as fair play in competition. Not surprising for a platypus, his favorite sport is swimming.
Millie the echidna
Millie the echidna mirrors the hope and optimism of her namesake the new millennium. Like Syd, Millie lives in a burrow beneath Millennium Park, but her stylish digs arent as close to the waters edge as Syds.
The hip, modern-minded Millie boasts the brains and technological skills of the mascot trio. The techno-whiz mascot is a natural teacher with creativity, looking to educate people through sports.
The optimistic young female is said to excel at sports that involve strategy and accuracy, such as archery, gymnastics and fencing.
Olly the kookaburra
From his home atop the tallest tree in Millennium Park, the chat-happy and always-friendly Olly draws his name from the Olympic Games.
His personality described as gregarious, honest, enthusiastic and friendly makes him the perfect fit as a mascot to be custodian of the five-ring Olympic logo.
The unselfish mascot is speedy and given to flying about to collect and communicate information. A natural comedian who isnt above practical jokes, Olly can also laugh at himself.
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