Let the Games begin

Juan Antonio Samaranch called Friday's events in Australia "the most beautiful Opening Ceremony" of his presidency, which will end before the next Olympics. Nearly 11,000 athletes strode into Olympic Stadium and were greeted by 10 times as many fans. North and South Korea marched in under one flag, and runner Cathy Freeman lit the torch. Cathy Freeman touched a torch to a pool of water and a ring of flame burst around her, then rose haltingly to the top of the Olympic Stadium, launching the 2000 Summer Games with tribute to national reconciliation and Australia's sporting heroes. The 27-year-old sprinter was a dramatic choice to light the cauldron that will burn throughout the games: an Aborigine who has been outspoken in demanding respect for Australia's impoverished and often-disdained indigenous people. World champion in the 400 meters, Freeman is also one of the country's best hopes for a gold medal, continuing a remarkable history of Olympic excellence by a nation of 20 million people. In taking the oath, Rechelle Hawkes promised a competition "without doping and without drugs." The ceremonies air Friday night in the U.S.