Whitlam vital in Sydney Olympics win

Gough Whitlam played a vital role in winning the 2000 Olympic Games for Sydney, Australia's Olympics chief John Coates says.

The former Labor prime minister, who died on Tuesday aged 98, could count his tireless efforts to win the games for Australia among his many triumphs, said Mr Coates.

The president of the Australian Olympic Committee said Mr Whitlam and his wife Margaret travelled through 13 African countries in 30 days in 1993 as part of a fast-paced campaign to win support for Sydney's Olympic bid.

"It was a very hectic schedule and it was far from five-star accommodation as we met with presidents, prime ministers as well as IOC (International Olympic Committee) members," Mr Coates said.

"Both were in their 70s and it was not an easy trip. We did not stay longer than two days in any place."

Mr Whitlam was admired in Africa for his move as prime minister to ban racially selected sports teams from visiting Australia, Mr Coates said.

The Whitlams also met Nelson Mandela during their journey.

When the final vote came, Sydney defeated Beijing by two votes, 95 to 93.

"The trip they made to Africa made all the difference," Mr Coates said.