FROM the lighting of the Olympic torch until the final medal is handed out, millions of people are expected to log on and follow the games online.

The official site www.olympic.org gives readers links into sites which reveal the workings of the different committees, news, features and a round-up of what the press around the world are saying.

But most for the latest action and detailed coverage it would be hard to beat www.quokka.com. These world leaders in action sports such as sailing and motorsport, provide in-depth coverage and even have a Wired Athlete.

Althlete Michael Johnson has agreed to carry equipment strapped to his ankle and chest which records his heart rate and provides detailed statistical information during training and races.

If it all sounds like a far cry from the days of the one-armed weightlifting contests run in Athens in 1896, then visit to the history service at http://cbs.sportsline.com/u/olympics/2000/history.

Details from all the previous Olympics are included with numbers of entrants and an insight into what activities were considered as sports. For people who want to find out more about the venue, the portal site www.sydneysummergames.com provides good links and online ticket sales.

There is also a section showing the building of the stadium back to 1997. Closer to home the BBC is promising high-quality coverage at www.bbc.co.uk/olympics with news, features, interviews and feedback opportunities.