Cathy Freeman Essay

Catherine (Cathy) Astrid Salome Freeman was an Aboriginal- Australian Olympian and a gold medallist, renowned for her incredible achievements in competitive running. She was the first Aboriginal to represent Australia in the Olympics and was a legendary athlete.
Freeman was born on the 16th February 1973 in Mackay, Queensland. She quoted, “Life was free and easy, the tropical climate was great and we barefoot kids were allowed to run around everywhere.” (Cathy Freeman, 2003) She grew up in a housing commission with her 5 other siblings. Her eldest sister was diagnosed with cerebral palsy which affected Cathy. Freeman quoted, “She was my inspiration. She gave me an inner strength and motivation that set me apart from the rest.” (Cathy Freeman,

2003)Her family constantly moved around Queensland because of her step-father’s work which made Freeman’s life complicated. She would regularly move schools and attended as a boarder.
Her extraordinary talent was discovered at such a young age when she won her first victory at a running event at the primary school athletic competition. Cathy had clearly won and beaten everyone but she watched as a white girl received the trophy instead. (Cathy Freeman )This was just another example of the discrimination and racism towards Aboriginals. Cathy then went to Brisbane for the first time and competed in the state primary schools title. Her teacher, Mrs Bauldry, raised money for Freeman and bought her a pair of running spikes for her. The support shown to Cathy made her realise how much people cared and took interest for her.
Because of her amazing achievements at such a young age, she was given two Queensland scholarships to Fairholme College and Kooralbyn International School.

She attended Fairholme College however, she struggled to fit in. The school had strict routines and she was astounded by the impressive school grounds. Freeman found it hard to study and perform well in class and felt alienated. She finally decided to transfer to Kooralbyn where she was professionally trained by Mike Danila. She found it easier to fit as it had international students from diverse cultures and backgrounds. “I soon learned that Kooralbyn was a school where you could express yourself.” (Cathy Freeman,

2003)
In 1990, she won her first gold medal at the 4x100m relay at the Auckland Commonwealth Games.

She was the first female Aboriginal to win a gold medal at an international athletics event. Unfortunately, Anne-Marie Freeman who was Cathy’s oldest sister had died of an asthma attack, just three days later. (The Age , 2006 )She swore that all here future achievements were dedicated to her because she was her greatest motivation, “The death of my sister gave me a sense of purpose. I would do it for Anne-Marie.” (Cathy Freeman, 2003) This devastating incident didn’t stop her from reaching her goas and dreams though. She was Young Australian of the Year in 1991 and was the first Australian Aboriginal to represent Australia at an Olympics. Her endless achievements escalated and were recognised in the Australia Institution of Sport Living Legends Hall of Fame. In the year 2000, she was given the honour to light the flame at the opening ceremony at the Sydney Olympic Games. She had won gold for the 400m sprint and proudly carried the Australian and Aboriginal Flag. This gave her international recognition and she became a worldwide

phenomenon.
In 2003, Freeman retired from competitive running and moved on to her personal life. She was remarried to James Murch and has one child, Ruby Anne Susie Murch. Not only did she retire, but she hid herself from publicity. She had declined the opportunity to present the Queen with a bouquet at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. She quoted that she was running out of patience and “I’d had enough.” (Cathy Freeman, 2003) Cathy now has a foundation which supports education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and to provide pathways to a brighter future. She works with Aboriginal communities to fundraise funds to develop and extend their work for the community. (Freeman)
Cathy Freeman was an incredible sprinter who achieved what no ordinary Australian can. She started off as a little girl with big dreams, to win an Olympic medal and her determination made her dream come true.