- Freeman visited Melbourne this week
- Olympic star has helped the Matildas
- Suffered serious injuries in an accident at home in 2022
Australian Olympic legend Cathy Freeman has stepped outside without the aid of her walking stick during a rare public sighting with a friend.
Freeman, 51, was spotted in the trendy Melbourne suburb of Brighton this week, heading to lunch with an unknown companion.
The winner of the athletics gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics suffered an unfortunate accident at home last year, which required her to undergo surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Freeman also made headlines last September when the NSW Government announced it would name a stand after her at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, where she thrilled the nation with her famous 400-plus meter track win at the Games .
The native sporting legend said she was “deeply honored and humbled” to be permanently recognized at a stadium that held such a special place in her heart.
Australian Olympic legend Cathy Freeman stepped out without the aid of her walking stick during a rare public sighting with a friend this week
Freeman, 51, was spotted in the trendy Melbourne suburb of Brighton, heading to lunch with an unknown companion
The Sydney Olympics star suffered an unfortunate accident at home last year, which left her requiring surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon
The track star faced great expectations from the Australian public ahead of the 2000 Games, but still won gold in the 400m final
“I hope my story continues to inspire generations of girls and boys to pursue their own dreams in sports and life,” she said.
Freeman ended her sports career in 2003, while adamantly winning Olympic gold three years earlier was the highlight of her sports career.
“I will never have the same fulfilling moment again,” she explained.
‘I don’t have the same hunger. I know what it takes to become a champion, to be the best in the world, but I don’t have that feeling now.’
Freeman made a surprise appearance on the pitch with Matildas star Mary Fowler after inspiring the team to their recent 10-0 win over Uzbekistan in Melbourne
The athletics icon was seen using a walking stick when she made a surprise visit to the Matildas during last year’s World Cup (pictured)
Freeman then founded the Cathy Freeman Foundation, an organization that supports indigenous students.
She was also an ambassador for the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation until 2012.
Meanwhile, Matildas defender Aivi Luik revealed that an unexpected pre-game talk from Freeman was the catalyst for their recent 10-0 win over Uzbekistan, which sealed Olympic qualification.
Needing just a draw to guarantee safe passage to the Paris Olympics, the Australian women’s team crushed their opposition at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.
A special moment took place on the field when the infamously reclusive Freeman appeared on the field and posed for photos with players, including fellow Indigenous star Mary Fowler.