Syd the platypus (L), Millie the echidna (C) and Olly the kookaburra, The Sydney 2000 Olympic Mascots, pose with a Japanese journalist at the Main Press Centre at Olympic Park, September 12, 2000. The mascots were created by Australian animator Matthew Hatton. The Games of the XXVII Olympiad begin on September 15.

CP/JDP