100 of the Most Influential Women in Sport >> Personalities

Cathy Freeman, Australia

Olympian

There are few more iconic moments in sporting history than the sight of Cathy Freeman running the 400m at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. The first Aborigine to compete at the Olympics, Freeman had become the poster-girl for Australia and the event as a whole. She carried the flag at the opening ceremony, and despite the weight of the world being on her shoulders, she would also claim gold in that most famous of 400m races – decked out in the famous green one-piece running suit. Such was her drive as an athlete, her first reaction upon crossing the line, was to sink to the ground, head in hands, disappointed she had not run faster. Now, nearly 20 years after that famous night in Sydney, the race, and that moment is still just as important as it was back then. It is indicative of her career – one of records, accomplishments and, above all, inspiration, particularly to the indigenous people of Australia. Freeman, 46, may not be one who courts the limelight but she will forever be a source of inspiration for athletes across the planet. The Cathy Freeman Foundation epitomises, her spirit. Focusing on education and opportunity, the Foundation seeks to help indigenous families in Australia. There is a huge gap in the opportunities surrounding Aborigines and the quality of the education on offer to them, and for more than a decade now, Freeman has been trying to bridge that gap. Working with youngsters and families on a long-term basis, she hopes to level the playing field and ensure the opportunities to thrive and succeed are open to everyone. Freeman’s retirement came in 2003, and along with her Foundation, she has been actively involved in a number of charities and good causes.

– Freeman was the first Aboriginal woman to win a gold medal at an international athletics event.

– She was the first person with win both Young Australian of the Year (1991), and Australian of the Year (1998).

– In 2011 she was handed ‘Legend’ status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Did you know…

Freeman has a haul of seven major gold medals, including four from the Commonwealth Games, two from World Championships, and that famous one from the 2000 Olympics.

“The reason I achieved so much is that running was my escape from a chaotic personal life,” Freeman says. “Athletics was my refuge, something I could lose myself in. I was always happiest on the track.” – Cathy Freeman

Twitter: @CathyFreeman

Instagram: cathyfreemanofficial