Anniversary celebrations were held yesterday around Sydney, culminating at Olympic Park for the lighting of the cauldron. As we were having a “sparkling water” prior to the scheduled lighting, the Olympic flame mysteriously burst into life, forcing technicians to re-boot the gas fed mechanism, which delayed the official moment. The Olympic stars eventually made it to the podium where Freeman held her Sydney 2000 torch aloft as the flame was ignited remotely.

Premier Kristina Keneally said while the Olympics were a high point, the city’s greatest achievements were to come – hopefully hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Hopefully some refereeing decisions go our way by then!

As per usual, there were plenty of well-dressed athletes on hand to celebrate this event. As I mentioned last week at Vogue Fashion’s Night Out in Sydney – the skinny tie was in force… If you dont have one at the moment, you are definitely missing out on the hottest look in town.

The celebrations concluded with drinks on the sporting arena and dinner in the Millennium room to honour Australia’s Olympians and Paralympians.

Amongst many highlights, we were privileged to hear from John Coates and Lord Sebastian Coe, president of the London Games organising committee. The former legendary distance runner, who won Olympic gold in 1980 and 1984 over 1500 metres, said Australia and England had much in common in their attitude to sports.

Dimitri Kontopos and Lord Sebastian Coe at the Sydney Olympic 10 year celebrations

“Only three countries in the history of the world in the Olympic movement have been to every winter and summer Games,” Lord Coe said. ”Of course, surprise, surprise – one is Australia and one is Great Britain.”

Amongst the crowds the malebox boys were able to catch up with a number of people including John Howard, Lord Sebastian Coe and John Konrads (Australian 1500m Freestyle Swimmer – Gold Medal 1960 Rome – wearing malebox Signature Blue Shades Tie).

John Howard and Dimitri Kontopos

Dimitri Kontopos and John Konrads (wearing malebox designed Blue Shades Tie)

The night ended when chatting to James Tomkins (6 time Olympian) who recommended myself, Mark Bellofiore (Canoe Slalom Olympian) and Harry Kontopos wear less hair product and toughen up a little…. I guess when a triple Olympic Gold Medalist tells you to toughen up, you shouldnt bring up singing in TV commercials…. well I would have if I thought of it…