• Entry type: Person
  • Entry ID: AWE1088

Freeman, Catherine (Cathy) Astrid Salome

  • OAM
(1973 – ) Mrs Sarah Powell
  • Born 16 February, 1973, Mackay Queensland Australia
  • Occupation Commonwealth or Empire Games Gold Medalist, Olympian, Track and Field Athlete

Summary

Catherine (Cathy) Freeman was born in Mackay in Queensland in 1973. As a very good runner, she won a scholarship to boarding school where she was able to have professional coaching. In 1994 she became the first Aboriginal sprinter to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, going on to win a silver medal in the 1996 Olympic Games and then gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

She is very proud of her Aboriginal heritage and has carried the Australian and Aboriginal flags around the track after winning a race, which at times has resulted in public controversy.

She was made Young Australian of the Year in 1990 and Australian of the Year in 1998. She is the first person to receive both awards.

Events

  • 2000

    Athletics – 400m Event

    Gold Medalist at the Sydney Olympic Games
  • 1996

    Athletics – 400m event

    Silver Medalist at the Atlanta Olympic Games
  • 1992

    Competed at Barcelona

  • 2002

    Athletics – 4 x 400m Relay

    Gold Medalist at Manchester Commonwealth Games
  • 1990

    Athletics – 4 X 100m Relay

    Gold Medalist at Auckland Commonwealth Games
  • 2001

    Inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women

  • 1994

    Athletics – 200m and 400m

    Gold Medalist at Victoria Commonwealth Games

Archival resources

  • John Oxley Library, Manuscripts and Business Records Collection
    • Collection of posters on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Set 1.

Digital resources

Published resources

Related entries


  • Related Organisations
    • Athletics Australia (1897 - )
  • Related Concepts
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women
    • Olympic Games Gold Medallists (1912 - )
    • Commonwealth or Empire Games Gold Medallists