Sydney 22 September 2000, Games of the XXVII Olympiad. Atheletics: Australian Cathy FREEMAN in action in the first round of the women's 400m event. Credit: Getty Images/Shaun BotterilBorn: 16 February 1973
Birthplace: Mackay (Australia)
Nationality: Australia
Sport: Athletics
ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES
Barcelona 1992
Atlanta 1996
Sydney 2000
AWARDS
Olympic medals:
Gold: 1
Silver: 1
Details
Other results:
World Championships
Gold: 2 (97, 99)
Bronze: 1 (95)
Lighting the Flame for Australia
In 1993, runner Cathy Freeman was eliminated in the semi-finals of the world championships. On the way back to Australia, she wrote on the back of an airsickness bag her goal for the 400m at the 1996 Olympics: "48.60 ATLANTA".
In fact, she ran a 48.63 to earn the silver medal and become the first Aborigine to earn a medal in an individual event. Freeman won the 400m at the world championships of 1997 and 1999 and went to the Sydney Olympics as the favourite.
Adding to the pressure she felt as an Australian favourite competing in Australia, Freeman was chosen to the light the cauldron to open the Games. She went on to win a clear victory in the 400m final. She also placed seventh in the 200m and fifth in the 4x400m relay.
