Cathy Freeman poses with Mary Fowler in surprise appearance at Matildas game as fans go wild after seeing Australian icon
- Cathy Freeman was present for the Matildas’ big win
- She was at Marvel Stadium for the game on Wednesday
- Freeman used a cane after surgery last year
Cathy Freeman made a rare public appearance on Wednesday evening as the Olympic hero watched the Matildas book their place at the Paris Games.
Four goals from Michelle Heyman helped the Aussies to a stunning 13-0 victory over Uzbekistan at Marvel Stadium, made all the more impressive without star captain Sam Kerr.
Freeman, 50, is on the mend after a shocking injury that left her requiring surgery last year, but she still needs the help of a walking stick to get around.
The gold medalist tore her Achilles tendon while at home but has made progress after initially using crutches to aid her mobility.
The world-famous Indigenous athlete made headlines in September when the NSW government announced it would name a stand after her at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, where she thrilled the nation with that famous Games victory.
Cathy Freeman was present for the Matildas’ big win on Wednesday evening
Freeman posed with Matildas star Mary Fowler after the win at Marvel Stadium
The 50-year-old inspired the Matildas to book their place at the Paris Olympics
On the same date, 23 years ago, Freeman had lit the flame on the ground during the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Ten days later she won the women’s 400 meters final at the venue, famously completing a victory lap with both the Australian and Indigenous flags in front of a crowd of more than 110,000 supporters.
It was the most watched TV event in the country’s history before being displaced by the Matildas World Cup semi-final with England at the same stadium.
Freeman said she was “deeply honored and humbled” to be permanently recognized at a stadium that held a special place in her heart.
“I hope my story continues to inspire generations of girls and boys to pursue their own dreams in sports and life,” she said.
After winning the first leg of the Olympic qualifier 3-0 on a freezing day in Tashkent, Australia were ruthless on a stifling evening at Melbourne’s Docklands Stadium, where Heyman’s catch thrilled a sell-out crowd of 54,120.
“It was very special,” said Matildas captain Steph Catley.
“Everything we set out to do, we did, so it’s a proud moment for us to get back to the Olympics.”
With Sam Kerr and Kyah Simon sidelined through injury, Heyman has made the most of her first international matches in six years, scoring in both legs against world number 47 Uzbeks.