Born: 16 February 1973

Birthplace: Mackay (Australia)

Nationality: Australia

Sport: Athletics

ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Barcelona 1992

Atlanta 1996

Sydney 2000

AWARDS

Olympic medals:

Gold: 1

Silver: 1

Details

Other results:

World Championships

Gold: 2 (97, 99)

Bronze: 1 (95)

Lighting the Flame for Australia

In 1993, runner Cathy Freeman was eliminated in the semi-finals of the world championships. On the way back to Australia, she wrote on the back of an airsickness bag her goal for the 400m at the 1996 Olympics: "48.60 ATLANTA".

In fact, she ran a 48.63 to earn the silver medal and become the first Aborigine to earn a medal in an individual event. Freeman won the 400m at the world championships of 1997 and 1999 and went to the Sydney Olympics as the favourite.

Adding to the pressure she felt as an Australian favourite competing in Australia, Freeman was chosen to the light the cauldron to open the Games. She went on to win a clear victory in the 400m final. She also placed seventh in the 200m and fifth in the 4x400m relay.