Cathy Freeman

Nationality: Australian Born: 16 February 1973 Height: 164cm Star sign: Aquarius Famous for: Winning Gold in the 400m final at the Sydney 2000 Olympics Games, and carrying the Aboriginal Flag without controversy. Also known for causing controversy by carrying Aboriginal flag at the Canadian Commonwealth Games. Quirky Quote:

Rate Her

• Currently 3.57320872274/6 Stars
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6

Cathy Freeman, under the slogan of “Speed, Determination, Self Belief”, is one of the most successful and prominent Indigenous Australian sports stars in history. Born Catherine Astrid Slaome Freeman on 16 February 1973, Freeman has become a symbol of reconciliation between white and black Australia, and has been a role model for Indigenous Australians, particularly young women.

Freeman is as remembered for her pride and representation of Aboriginal people as she is her speed in the 400-metre track race—her specialty. She caused massive controversy at the 1994 Commonwelath Games in Canada when, after winning the 400-metre race, she flew the Aboriginal flag, not the National Australian flag, during her victory lap. The Australian team leader, Arthur Tunstall, barred her from flying the flag again, but Freeman defied him, flying the flag again after winning the 200-metre race as well. She used the publicity to explain what the Aboriginal flag symbolised: red for earth, yellow for sun, and black for skin.

The press were in a far less chastising mood when Freeman flew both the Australian National flag and the Aboriginal flag after winning the 400-metre race at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. Although it is not permitted for any team member to fly a flag other than the official National flag at the Olympics, no one criticised her actions this time around. In an even more powerful symbolic gesture, Freeman was asked light the flame at the opening ceremony, officially starting the games.

Freeman retired from competitive running on the 15 July 2003. She continues to participate in many charity organisations, including Cottage by the Sea, which provides care and accommodation for children recovering form illness. She is now in a relationship with Australian actor Joel Edgerton, after separating from her husband, Nike Executive Sandy Bodecker, in 2003.