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11 months ago
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New photos of Australian Olympic icon Cathy Freeman show she still has to use a walking stick more than six months after suffering a shocking injury that left her needing surgery.
The reclusive Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medalist was spotted on a walk around Brighton in Melbourne's south-east with two other people on Sunday.
Freeman suffered an unfortunate accident while at home earlier this year, which left her needing surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon.
She seems to be making some progress in her recovery from the setback, as the walking stick is an upgrade from the crutches she needed when she met with the Matildas on the eve of the Women's World Cup in July this year.
Freeman, who rarely makes public appearances, was also spotted shopping in nearby Hampton with the aid of a walking stick in November.
Cathy Freeman was spotted out walking at Brighton in Melbourne's south-east on Sunday
Freeman was pictured using a walking stick after rupturing her Achilles tendon earlier in 2023
The world-renowned Indigenous athlete made headlines in September when the NSW Government announced it would be naming a grandstand after her at Sydney's Accor Stadium, where she thrilled the nation with that famous win at the Games.
On the same date 23 years ago, Freeman had lit the flame at the 2000 Sydney Olympics opening ceremony at the ground.
Ten days later, she won the women's 400m final at the venue, famously completing a victory lap holding 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 it was supplanted by the Matildas' World Cup semi-final showdown with England at the same stadium.
Freeman was first seen needing help to walk when she was using crutches during a surprise visit to the Matildas in July (pictured with Matildas star Kyah Simon)
Freeman said she was 'deeply honoured and humbled' to be permanently recognised at a stadium that held a special place in her heart.
'I hope that my story continues to inspire generations of girls and boys to chase their own dreams in sport and life,' she said.
It was the second award for Freeman 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.
She appeared in a video for the Yes23 campaign and said the landmark referendum was a chance 'to be part of a moment that brings people together'.
After an incredible performance at the 2000 Olympics, Freeman eventually called time on her sporting career in 2003.
The eastern grandstand at Accor Stadium was named the Cathy Freeman Stand in 2023
Freeman (pictured at SXSW in October) rarely makes public appearances
Freeman became an Australian sporting icon at the 2000 Sydney Olympics (pictured)
In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald in 2003, Cathy said her decision to quit sprinting came when she realised she would never beat her performance at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
'I won't ever have the same fulfilling moment as I already have had,' she explained.
'I don't have the same hunger. I know what it takes to be a champion, to be the best in the world, and I just don't have that feeling right now.'
Freeman then created the Cathy Freeman Foundation, an organisation that supports Indigenous students.
She was also an ambassador for the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation until 2012.
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