FAMOUS ABORIGINAL RUNNER

Born in Mackay in Queensland Cathys stepfather coached her until 1989 She won her first gold medal at a school athletics championship when she was eight years old Cathys family was poor

In the 1990 Commonwealth Games Cathy won a gold medal as a member of the 4 x 100 metres relay team She won the 200 metres and the 400 metres at the 1994 Commonwealth Games In 1997, at the World Athletic Championships Cathy won the 400 metres sprint At the World Athletic Championships in 1999 Cathy successfully defended her 400 metres sprint title

First Australian Aboriginal to represent Australia at an Olympics She won a silver medal at the Olympics in 1996 At the Sydney Olympics 2000 Cathy had the honour of lighting the Olympic flame

Share that special moment Go to

Since retiring from athletics Freeman has become involved in a range of community and charitable activities. The gold medallist is expecting a baby, due in August.