The 2000 Sydney Olympics swimming competition set 14 world records and 38 Olympic records across 32 events, with 954 athletes from 150 nations.
Key Facts
- Total events
- 32 (16 male, 16 female)
- Participating swimmers
- 954 athletes
- Nations represented
- 150 nations
- World records set
- 14 records
- Olympic records set
- 38 records
- USA total medals
- 33 (14 gold, 8 silver, 11 bronze)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the swimming program was expanded to include semifinal rounds in most individual events, replacing the previous two-phase format of heats and finals. This structural reform necessitated additional competition days and a reorganized schedule to accommodate more races.
Swimming competitions at the 2000 Summer Olympics were held from 16 to 23 September at the Sydney International Aquatic Centre in Homebush Bay. Thirty-two events were contested by 954 swimmers from 150 nations over eight days, with the United States leading the medal table with 33 total medals and Australia finishing second with 18.
The expanded format produced an exceptionally high volume of record-breaking performances, including 14 world records and 38 Olympic records. The eight-day schedule introduced at Sydney established a competition structure that persisted into subsequent Olympic Games, and Australia's strong home performance solidified its status as a major force in elite swimming.
Result
at Sydney International Aquatic Centre, Homebush Bay