Olympics photos: Memories of when torch relay came to Dubbo
As Olympics excitement builds, take a look at pictures of the famed torch’s journey through regional NSW when Sydney hosted the games 21 years ago.
Dubbo News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Dubbo News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Excitement is building with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics around the corner and Aussies preparing to cheer on their favourite competitors as they battle it out for the ultimate sporting glory.
To celebrate the occasion, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to when the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay travelled through Dubbo on September 1 and 2, 2000.
Thousands gathered for a celebration at Apex Oval and to see the Olympic flame when it arrived after earlier stops at Tamworth and Coonabarabran.
Artist and basketballer Nathan Peckham was among the Dubbo torchbearers and he spoke to us about his memories of the once-in-a-lifetime experience taking the torch through the iconic Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
“It was a pretty big deal for me, there was a lot of international media and a lot of community members,” he said.
“It was a bit of blur.”
Then a 23-year-old, Mr Peckham said torchbearers had to be nominated to take part in the relay.
“I’m still not 100 per cent sure who nominated me, no one’s really come forward and said they nominated me I’ve got a suspicion it was someone from the family.
“Around that time I’d just been over to Samoa as part of the international games over there, I was part of the Australian indigenous team and we won a silver medal.
“I was heavily involved in basketball and known also for my art work in the community.”
Of special significance to Mr Peckham was the recognition being a torchbearer provided not only him, but the local Aboriginal community past and present, on whose land the unifying flame was carried.
“My family are among the direct descendants of the Tubba-Gah Wiradjuri people for Dubbo so this is my family’s traditional homeland,” he said.
“To represent Dubbo in that regard as well was a privilege.
“It was over 20 years ago now and people still remember that around town. It was really nice to have that recognition for what I’d done personally but also to represent my family and the Aboriginal community.”
See the Olympic spirit on full display in the pictures below, of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay travelling through regional NSW.
Follow our Tokyo 2020 Olympics coverage and find out what you will get from your News subscription ahead of the opening ceremony.