Sydney Olympic Games legacy continues 20 years on, in the Illawarra and beyond

That may present itself on the nightly news, in this, and countless other, newspapers and, of course, on social media.

It can be exhausting to see so much doom and gloom and to live through a period of extreme uncertainty.

Read more: Albion Park star selected for Tokyo Olympics

So it has been refreshing and exciting to spend the past couple of months delving into our world 20 years ago.

The period was the Sydney Olympics, a time in our lives like no other. And a time when the Illawarra, and Australia, was united.

From the torch relay, when thousands of locals lined the streets of Gerringong, Kiama and Wollongong as our community's leaders, both public faces and those unheralded heroes we all know, carried the Olympic torch through the region.

A beacon of hope and friendship the torch represents, and 20 years ago it was the prelude to a successful Games and a medal rush on the sports field.

The flame may not have ignited last month for the Tokyo Olympics, but it remains that same beacon of hope for the global community.

Should the cauldron burn bright next July, it will yet again symbolise what we can achieve when we work together to overcome obstacles.

Once the torch had arrived in Sydney, it was time for the athletes to take centre stage.

As Louise Currey's story shows us, not every tale has a magical ending.

A gold medal contender, the javelin thrower was instead reduced to a limping afterthought as she battled a serious knee injury just to line up on the start line.

She may not have won a medal, but in many ways Currey's experience is the essence of what the Olympics is all about.

Just like Eric the Eel, the Illawarra Blue Stars member overcame a personal battle to record her own unique triumph.

Of course, it's impossible to discuss drive and determination without mentioning the late Kerryn McCann.

The marathon runner finished 11^th in Sydney, the second of her three Olympics.

Ultimately her greatest triumph came six years later at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, before she embarked on a battle with breast cancer in 2007.

Sadly McCann isn't with us to discuss her Olympic memories, but those closest to her remain inspired by the way she remained humble and true to her Kembla Joggers roots despite the success she had achieved.

And with Kerryn, we have that rare breed of person.

No matter who you speak to, they only have positive things to say about her.

In a time in which so many people are divided, it's nice to see there is one thing everyone agrees on.