Cathy Freeman

Cathy Freeman is an Australian former sprinter, born on February 16, 1973, in Mackay, Queensland. She is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of her time. Freeman began her professional career in athletics at a young age, showcasing her talent in several junior championships before making her mark in international competitions.

Freeman is known for her incredible speed, agility, and the determination she displayed on the track. She has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records, including being the first Aboriginal person to win a gold medal in an individual event at the Commonwealth Games.

Off the field, Freeman has made significant contributions to indigenous education and sports programs, inspiring generations of young Australians.

Early Career

• Youth and Early Career: Freeman was born and raised in Queensland and began running at a young age. She won her first gold medal at a school athletics championship when she was just eight years old.

Commonwealth Games Debut

• Early Success: Freeman made her debut at the Commonwealth Games in 1990, winning gold in the 4x100m relay, becoming the first Aboriginal athlete to win a gold medal in an individual event.

Olympic Games

• Record-breaking Success: Freeman competed in her first Olympics in 1996, winning silver in the 400m event. Her crowning achievement came at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where she won gold in the 400m, becoming the first Australian Aboriginal to win an individual Olympic gold medal.

Australian National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for Australia in international athletics in 1990.

Achievements:

• Commonwealth Games: Gold medalist in 4x100m relay in 1990 and 400m in 1994.
• Olympic Games: Silver medalist in 400m in 1996, Gold medalist in 400m in 2000.
• Freeman is one of Australia's most successful track athletes and an icon of Australian sport.

• Event: Specialized in 400m sprint, but also excelled in 200m and relay events.
• Skills: Known for her incredible speed, agility, and determination on the track. Freeman is celebrated for her running technique, endurance, and competitive spirit.

• Family: Freeman is married to James Murch and they have one daughter.
• Philanthropy: Freeman established the Cathy Freeman Foundation, which works to improve educational outcomes for indigenous children.

• Cathy Freeman is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her work in advocating for indigenous rights and education. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the track, inspiring generations of Australians and athletes worldwide.

Australian of the Year:

• Recipient in 1998

Order of Australia:

• Recipient in 2001

Inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame:

• Inducted in 2005

Named a National Living Treasure:

• Named by the National Trust of Australia in 2012

Books

• Freeman, C. (2003) Cathy: Her Own Story. London: Penguin Books.
• Oddo, G. (2000) Cathy Freeman: A Journey Just Begun. New York: Random House.

Websites

• Olympics: Information about Cathy Freeman’s Olympic career and achievements. Available at: https://www.olympics.com
• Australian Athletics: Details about Freeman’s career in Athletics Australia. Available at: https://www.athletics.com.au
• Cathy Freeman Foundation: Official site with updates on Freeman’s philanthropic work. Available at: https://www.cathyfreemanfoundation.org.au

Articles

• BBC Sport: Cathy Freeman: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/54078992
• The Guardian: Cathy Freeman’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/cathy-freeman

Interviews and Documentaries

• Freeman (2020): Directed by Laurence Billiet. This documentary provides a detailed look at Freeman’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• ABC Interviews: Various interviews and features on Cathy Freeman, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au