Huge, costly, and world is watching

The waiting is over. The world's biggest, costliest and most-watched Olympic Games begin tonight in Sydney.

The "greatest show on earth" kicks off at 7.30 with a spectacular opening ceremony in front of 110,000 people at Stadium Australia, plus a television audience reckoned in the billions.

The final preparations were completed yesterday with the teams choosing their standard-bearers.

For New Zealand it will be Blyth Tait, who has only one fear about carrying his country's flag - toppling over.

The pint-sized equestrian is afraid the flag pole may be too much for him.

"I hope it's not too heavy - I'm not very tall you know," said the 1.7m (5ft 7in) Tait last night when he was named captain of the Kiwi Olympians.

"I've known for a few days, but I was sworn to secrecy. I apologise to all the people I've told little white lies to."

Even before the competition begins, the superlatives have been flowing freely about these Games.

It is the biggest Olympics of all time, with 300 events, 10,000 athletes, 5000 officials and 199 countries.

It is also the most expensive, costing $A2.6 billion ($3.45 billion). And it is expected to attract the largest audience - 3.7 billion people.

But after the 16 days of competition, we will know the most important superlatives - who is the fastest, highest and strongest.

International Olympic Committee president Juan Antonio Samaranch yesterday pronounced himself satisfied with the arrangements.

"Sydney is ready," he said. "The IOC is very much satisfied and confident that arrangements are in place for a very highly successful Games. The enthusiasm of the people is outstanding. The weather should be fine."

Weather forecasters predicted last night that near-perfect spring conditions would give way to cloud, winds of up to 30 km/h and cool temperatures of 12deg - but no rain.

To help you make the most of the Games, the Herald will publish an indispensable daily guide to the top events - especially those featuring New Zealanders - and when to catch them on television.

The guide is an important part of the daily Olympic section that will include comprehensive results and, of course, the finest sports journalism in New Zealand.

Our team of eight reporters and photographers on the spot, backed by the resources of the worldwide stable of Independent newspapers and the Sydney Morning Herald, will keep you informed from trackside, poolside or wherever the action is happening.

As always, the first Games highlight is the opening ceremony and the Weekend Herald will have extensive coverage tomorrow.

Inside will be a picture spread on how some of our schools are mounting their own Olympics.

Herald Online Olympic News