Olympic torch arrives in Olympic city

SYDNEY, SEPTEMBER 11: Ninety -six days after the Olympic flame touched down in Australia, it finally arrived in Sydney Monday and Lord Mayor Frank Sartor said the city was ready. Thousands of people lined the route of the torch in suburban Sutherland as the torch arrived on Sydney’s outskirts aboard an historic tram from nearby Loftus.

Sutherland mayor Tracie Sonda said it marked the culmination of months of hard work, anticipation and excitement. "This has to be one of the most terrific community celebrations we have ever seen in our shire and I hope everyone will take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to line the route and cheer the flame on its way," she said.

Sartor said the final touches were being put to preparations for the torch’s arrival in the city centre on Thursday. Australian sprinter Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, duel US Open champion Pat Rafter and swim legend Dawn Fraser will carry the flame towards Town Hall where Sartor will welcome IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch at a reception.

"Sydney is ready," Sartor told reporters. "In case you hadn’t noticed this already, it’s sparkling. "The banners are out, the flowers are out." The identity of the torch carrier who will light the flame at the opening ceremony remains a secret. (AFP)