Cathy Freeman
Cathy Freeman
Catherine Astrid Salome "Cathy" Freeman, OAMis an Australian former sprinter, who specialised in the 400 metres event. She would occasionally compete in other track events but 400m was her main event. Her personal best of 48.63 currently ranks her as the sixth fastest woman of all time, set while finishing second to Marie-Jose Perec's number three time at the 1996 Olympics. She became the Olympic champion for the women's 400 metres at the 2000 Summer Olympics, at which she lit the...
NationalityAustralian
ProfessionRunner
Date of Birth16 February 1973
CountryAustralia
I lie around the floor with my cats Billy and Jazz or watch DVDs with my best friends.
People could see in me who I am now, an Olympic champ, the best in the world.
My story has resonated around the world. I am just Catherine, I just like to run. And I'll run with opportunities.
Disappointment and adversity can be catalysts for greatness. There's something particularly exciting about being the hunter, as opposed to the hunted. And that can make for powerful energy.
I want to be a positive role model, especially for kids and Aboriginal people... When people see me, often all they see is another Australian athlete having a go. It isn't until they see the full Cathy Freeman picture that they realise how proud I am of my ancestry and heritage. I'd like a little more tolerance and acceptance of my culture and all the differing cultures that make up Australia.
I have been told many times that when I win I make my people proud to be Australian. I am Aboriginal, I am one of them and every time I win or am honoured like this it should be an example to Aboriginal people who may think they have nowhere to go but down. But more importantly I am an Australian and I would like to make all Australians feel proud to be Australian. Ours is a truly multicultural society and should be united as such. I would like to believe that my successes are celebrated by all Australians, bringing our nation together.
I think your allegiance should be to one country. I mean, she is exercising her freedom I guess, she is not breaking the rules.
I would definitely take on that role, taking a stand on issues, like the government giving an apology or acknowledging indigenous people.
I'm not a marriage expert, quite clearly.
Being overseas at the time it all kind of happened was perfect because I had no idea that it was going to attract so much media attention and provoke these lovely people calling in and offering up their opinions and advice.
For athletes traditionally it's such a fantastic stepping stone to greater things down the track and in the future. Don't undermine the Commonwealth Games!
I don't like people looking at me; I hate the attention.
I do not have any official responsibilities related to the Australian Olympic Committee or the Federation of Athletic Associations since I am too busy with my private business.
Australians are a fantastic bunch of people but the attention can be overwhelming for someone like me.