Olympics highlights

By Compiled by Times staff writer

Opening statement

The Games opened with a spectacular show that focused on Australian history and culture. Aborigine Cathy Freeman, the world record-holder in the 400 meters, lit the Olympic cauldron to rousing cheers. Olympic chief Juan Antonio Samaranch described the Opening Ceremonies as the most beautiful of his 20 years in charge of the International Olympic Committee:"It was an excellent beginning to the Sydney Games. It was the most beautiful opening ceremony of my presidency."

Early exit

Samaranch left the Games, flying to Spain to be with his ailing wife. IOC director general Francois Carrard said Samaranch, 80, was traveling to his home city of Barcelona to attend to his 67-year-old wife, Maria Theresa Salisachs-Rowe, known as "Bibis." Carrard gave no details of her illness.

Off-beat

Ketchup with that?

They're cute, they're bouncy, and some Olympic visitors say kangaroos are tasty, too. The animal can be legally hunted in Australia. Though people can't get 'roo burgers or 'roo dogs at the Olympic baseball stadium, some are trying kangaroo in Sydney restaurants. "I did try it, and I found it great, no fat," said Byron Figueroa, an official with the Guatemalan team. He had "diced roo," which is cooked in red wine with onion rings, pumpkin, basil and parsley leaves. Another delicacy is kangaroo tail, cut into joints in three large portions and cooked in red wine with garlic, carrots and basil leaves.

What time is it?

Sydney is 15 hours ahead of Tampa Bay, so as most people read their morning paper, today's events are wrapping up in Australia. We have converted schedules and other references to Tampa Bay time. For the latest results, check the Times Web site at http://www.sptimes.com/olympics.

While you were sleeping

Some of the events completed after deadline for today's paper: Men's gymnastics qualifications, swimming finals in the men's and women's 4x100 freestyle relay and other events, U.S. men's soccer against Cameroon, medal events in fencing and judo.