The competition is fierce…mate.

The XXVII 2000 Summer Olympiad is being held in Sydney, Australia, the land down under. Over 80 countries from around the world are competing in 32 events for the prized gold, silver, or bronze medal.

The last Summer Olympics was held in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The US team is well representated in this year's Olympics, competing in all but two events: team handball and field hockey. Thirty-one athletes from Colorado will be apart of the US team competing in badminton, cycling, judo, modern pentathlon, shooting, soccer, swimming, tae kwon do, track, and wrestling.

Though not officially a resident Colorado, Antonio McDyess, of the Denver Nuggets will also compete in the Olympics, playing on the U.S. Men's Basketball Team.

This year, the Olympics have included synchronized diving and trampoline as competitive sports. Although critics of this decision claim that neither should be considered as "sports", the Olympic Committee decided to include those activities on the athletic endurance both require.

In the Atlanta games, Colorado swimmer Amy Van Dyken won five gold metals. The 2000 games will be her last Olympics competition. Due to her age and physical condition, Van Dyken does not want to compete in the 2004 Olympics.

Opening Ceremonies were on Friday, September 15, and the games will conclude on October 1with the closing ceremonies.

So, put one more "shrimp on the barbie" and root for your favorite American Olympians!