Nikki Webster » Sydney 2000 Olympic Games » Costume

The Hero Girl costume Nikki wore for the opening ceremony, a pink sundress with a Hawaiian Hibiscus flower print, was designed by Dan Potra. Hero Girl’s beach towel was also designed by Dan Potra and featured illustrations of "thongs, sunglasses, fish, starfish, beach umbrellas and other seaside themes. The bright colours and exaggerated size made the towel visible to television viewers and the live audience.”

A prototype of the dress is displayed at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, which also has copies of sandals and ribbons worn by Nikki Webster and Hero Girl’s Beach towel.

Nikki kept the actual dress she wore in the opening ceremony. In an interview published at the time of the 10th anniversary, she said, “There’s a replica in a museum, but I keep the real one in a box. People always say I should have it framed, but I never have. It meant so much to so many people. It’s amazing for me to know I can still get it out and hold it in my hands.”