EXCLUSIVE: Cathy Freeman steps out with the help of a cane in a rare public appearance after an accident at home left her requiring surgery
- Freeman was seen shopping in Melbourne
- The reclusive star used a walking stick
- Freeman is recovering from an injury
Cathy Freeman has been spotted making a rare public appearance as she stepped out with a friend and the help of a walking stick to do some shopping after an accident left her requiring surgery.
The retired Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medalist was pictured stumbling out of shops and across a busy road in Hampton, in Melbourne’s south-east, on Sunday.
Freeman suffered an unfortunate accident while at home earlier this year, which left her requiring surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon.
She appears to be making progress in her recovery from the setback as the walking stick is an upgrade from the crutches she needed when she met the Matildas on the eve of the Women’s World Cup earlier this year.
However, the superstar still seemed to rely on her friend’s support as she left a store and crossed a road.
Freeman 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 spotted making a rare public appearance while running errands in Melbourne
The Olympic gold medalist was pictured using a walking stick during a shopping trip after tearing her Achilles tendon earlier this year
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.
Freeman appeared to rely on her friend for support as she crossed a road
“I hope my story continues to inspire generations of girls and boys to pursue their own dreams in sports and life,” she said.
It was Freeman’s second award this year, after she was also shortlisted for the Wilderness Society Karajia Award for her children’s book The Heartbeat of the Land.
Freeman also made headlines in 2023 when she pledged her support to the Yes campaign in the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum.
Appearing in a video for the Yes23 campaign, she said the historic referendum was an opportunity “to be part of a moment that brings people together.”
Freeman is recognized as an icon of Indigenous sporting achievement
The east stand of the Accor Stadium was named the Cathy Freeman Stand in 2023
After an incredible performance at the 2000 Olympic Games, Freeman finally ended her sports career in 2003.
In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald in 2003, Cathy said her decision to quit sprinting came when she realized she would never beat her performance at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
“I’ll never have the same satisfying moment I’ve had,” 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 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.