The document summarizes the 2000, 2004, and 2008 Summer Olympics. The 2000 Games were held in Sydney, Australia and featured over 10,000 athletes from around the world competing in over 300 events. Athens hosted the 2004 Games, which saw over 10,000 athletes from 201 countries participate under the motto "Welcome Home." Beijing hosted the 2008 Games, where over 11,000 athletes from 204 countries competed and numerous new world and Olympic records were set, with Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt cementing their legacies as all-time greats.

1. 21stCenturySummer Olympics2000 ~ 2004 ~ 2008

2. SYDNEY 2000The Olympics in 2000 was held in Sydney, AustraliaThe 2000 Summer Games began with an impressive opening ceremony that highlighted Australian history from the aboriginal people to the settlers of the outback. The opening date was September 15 and continued until the closing date on October 110,651 athletes from every country except Afghanistan participated in 300 events in the Summer Games.

3. Sydney 2000Also known as the Millennium Games or Games of the New Millennium.It was officially known as the Games of the XXVII Olympiad.It was the second time that the Summer Olympics were held in the Southern Hemisphere, the first one being in Melbourne in 1956.

5. ATHENS 2004The 2004 Summer Olympic Games was officially known as the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad.Itwas a premier international multi-sport event held in Athens, Greece.It began on August 13 and ended on August 29, 2004 with the motto Welcome Home.10,625 athletes competed,some 600 more than expected, accompanied by 5,501 team officials from 201 countries.

6. ATHENS 2004There were 301 medal events in 28 different sports. Athens 2004 marked the first time since the 1996 Summer Olympics that all countries with a National Olympic Committee were in attendance. It was also the first time since 1896 that the Olympics were held in Greece.

8. BEIJING 2008The 2008 Summer Olympics was officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad.It wasa major international multi-sport event that took place in Beijing, China.The games began on August 8 and finished on August 24, 2008. A total of 11,028 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees competed in 302 events in 28 sports.There were 43 new world records and 132 new Olympic records set.

9. BEIJING 2008The United States had the most medals totaling 110; however, the Chinese athletes won the most gold medals totaling 51.Michael Phelps broke the records for most gold medals in one Olympics and for most career gold medals for an Olympian by winning eight swimming events.Usain Bolt secured the traditional title of "World's Fastest Man" by setting new world records in the 100 meters and 200 meters sprints.

11. Why are the Olympics important?The celebration of the Games encompasses many rituals and symbols, such as the Olympic flag and torch, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. The Games have grown in scale to the point that nearly every nation is represented. Every two years, the Olympics and its media exposure provide unknown athletes with the chance to attain nationalor international fame. The Olympics are important because they unite countries of the world. It is not about winning, but about being proud of your country. The Games also constitute a major opportunity for the host city and country to promote and showcase themselves to the world.

12. Why would this be in a history textbook?The Olympic Games began in 776 BC. It is the only event that brings the entire world together, without involving politics. It is a time of unification between countries. The Games bring athletes from all over the world, representing pride for their country, to compete against each other. The Olympics show the different levels of ability athletes can obtain. Many athletes who partake in these events achieve records that will be remembered in history.