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Cathy Freeman

Australian Athlete

Team

Retired

DOB

February 16, 1973

Height / Weight

165 cm (5 ft 5 in) / 60 kg (132 lbs)

Achievements

Gold Olympic Medal

Summary

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.

Career

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.
International Career

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.
Style of Play
  • 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.
Personal Life
  • 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.
Legacy
  • 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.
Awards and Recognition

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
References

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

Articles

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
Full name
Catherine Astrid Salome Freeman
Born
1973-02-16
Place of birth
Mackay, Queensland, Australia
Position(s)
Sprinter
Current team
Retired
Senior career
1990 - 2003 Athletics Australia
International career
1990 - 2000 Australia
Social Media
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