The heroes of nations are made on the track and in the field of the Olympic Games, including the Marathon - the event which best encapsulates the Olympic spirit, both ancient and modern

Although Hockey is now contested by both men and women, originally it belonged to India's men's team, who won 30 matches straight over seven Olympic Games, scoring 197 goals and conceding only eight.

With incredible concentration, perfect balance and sheer strength aren't enough, sometimes the willpower at an auditorium full of enthralled spectators Olympic weightlifters do the seemingly impossible.

Sailing has been a keenly contested Olympic sport since 1900.  Many classes of boat have come and gone over the years, the most recent addition being the 49er, a modern and fast skiff.

Gymnastics seems to be able to create an almost magical bond between competitors and spectators.   The power and grace of men and women never fail to mesmerise onlookers.

ARCHERY

From legendary hunting tool and weapon, to high-tech precision instrument, the modern bow and arrow demand supreme accuracy from competitors, over long, tense rounds of archery competition.

NOMINAL SPECIFICATIONS

DIAMETER 38.74mm WEIGHT 20 gms METAL   AI-Zn-Bronze

All coins are dated 2000 but are issued over the period 1997-2000