Olly, Syd and Millie

There are three mascots for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games; Syd the Platypus, Millie the echidna and Olly the kookaburra. All together they represent the water, the earth and the air. Their names are derived from the words; Sydney, Millennium and Olympic Games.

These animals capture the essence of Australia; a land of contrasts and easy going, friendly, sporty and optimistic people.

Lizzie the Frilled Neck Lizard is the mascot for the Paralympic Games.

Olly, Syd and Millie

Syd is a team player and natural leader by example. He is focused, dynamic, enthusiastic and captures the vigour and energy of Australia and its people.

About the Platypus: This unique Australian mammal has the beak of a duck, the body of an otter and the tail of a . It lays eggs and has mammary glands, but no teats. The platypus and the echidna are the only egg laying mammals in the world (monotremes). The male averages about 50cm long and weigh about 1.7kg. It has a smooth swimming action using special webbed forefeet. The platypus lives in elaborate tunnels or burrows up to 20m long within riverbanks. Its diet consists of crustaceans, molluscs, frogs, worms and insect larvae.

Millie: is a born optimist and information guru whose eye is firmly set on the future. A confident young woman, she is a sharp and witty observer who is always taking notes and coming up with new ideas.

About the Echidna: The echidna is found in a wife variety of habitats around Australia. It has a uniquely well developed brain and shows strong signs of high intelligence. Often known as the spiny anteater,' the echidna is covered with stout spines and bristly hair. It uses its extraordinary long tongue to collect its main food sources of ants and termites. The echidna is the platypus' closest living relative. It grows about 30cm long and weighs about 7kg.

Olly:is a gregarious, honest, enthusiastic and open hearted. He embodies the Olympic spirit of generosity and universal friendship.

About the Kookaburra: The largest of all kingfishers, the kookaburra roosts in small leafy trees and eats small mammals, snakes, large insects and termites - to name a few. The kookaburra grows up to 42cm in length and weighs about 500gms. It is a common sight all over Australia in city and country and its call is highly distinctive - a very loud, strange, human-like laugh.