The Australian Women's Register

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