The 2000 Sydney Olympic Games was one of the most thrilling and momentous occasions in Australian history. Broadcast worldwide, the event will forever be remembered as one of the best Olympic Games in recent memory, famed for its incredible ceremonies, determined and emotional athletes and the unforgettable moment of Cathy Freeman winning a gold medal.

Throughout the Games, Sydney’s CBD and surrounds dazzled with iconic artistic sporting symbols, including the luminous giant Olympic Rings on the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as three colossal sporting sculptures hanging from Sydney Tower.

One of these sculptures was “The Sprinter”, an original creation by artist Dominique Sutton, which has now been repurposed to illuminate the skyline on Sydney’s M4 Motorway.

Moving and lighting the 8.5 tonne, 16m tall sculpture was a significant challenge for all teams involved, but extensive collaboration between the artist, WE-EF luminaires and ADP Consulting saw difficulties become opportunities.

Engineering challenges relevant to the mounting and lighting of the sculpture were complex and required innovative, creative solutions. Positioning the sculpture on a steep hill, for example, required custom hinged poles that could be moved to allow access to light fittings when servicing was required.

Further, the process of illuminating the sculpture was meticulously planned and engineered to protect the artistic integrity of the sculpture, as the artist had a brand new concept for the installation involving specifically illuminated areas of piece.