Cathy Freeman Reflects on Her Olympic Journey as Aussie Athletes Prepare for Paris 2024

Cathy Freeman, one of Australia’s greatest Olympic athletes, has shared her insights as the Aussie team gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

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Freeman, who made history by winning Australia's 100th gold medal in the 400m at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, spoke about the emotional thrill of competing at that level.

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"When it came to the running, it was freedom, complete freedom for me," she told Today. She expressed that athletes like her thrive in the Olympic atmosphere, appreciating the energy and excitement it brings.

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During her stunning career, Freeman won gold at the 2000 Olympics with a time of 49.11 seconds, although she admitted she was slightly disappointed with that performance. She had previously achieved a personal best of 48.63 seconds at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics, where she earned a silver medal.

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Reflecting on the long journey to prepare for the Games, Freeman acknowledged the immense effort that goes on behind the scenes, especially since the Olympics only occur every four years.

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With 460 Australian athletes set to compete in Paris, Cathy had some important advice: "Never forget who you are, where you're from and who you belong to. I think that's really important," she said.

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She emphasized the importance of staying grounded amid the distractions of the Olympic environment. Finding a sense of home within oneself can make the Olympic journey much more enjoyable.

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Freeman has also explored the science behind her athletic abilities through DNA testing. "It's interesting because DNA testing can tell you so much, it really is fabulous," she remarked.

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She discovered insights about her endurance and speed, learning that she had more endurance than speed — something that intrigued her about her athletic performance.

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For those interested in her story, viewers can catch the full interview with Cathy Freeman on Today, where she shares more about her journey and mindset as an Olympic legend.