Cathy Freeman
“I wanted to be an Olympic champion and I didn’t care about the goings-on around me. In my heart and with all of my soul I was ready, willing and I was very able. I had a deadly sense of self-belief. I’d go to another level and say I had a deadly sense of self-conviction where you can say whatever you want, you can do whatever you want but you’re not going to touch me.”
Who Am I?
Cathy Freeman had a difficult childhood, and as an Indigenous Australian, she suffered discrimination. Although her talent in running was obvious, Cathy was also a member of a minority group that historically had not had access to the same resources as other athletes. But Cathy dreamed of winning an Olympic gold medal, and she kept her eyes on that prize.
What Am I Known For?
At the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, Cathy lit the flame at the opening ceremony, and went on to win a gold medal in the 400 metres – the first Indigenous Australian to win an individual Olympic gold medal. Whether speaking up for the rights of Indigenous people or competing on a track, Cathy has always shown great courage and has never let obstacles stop her from achieving her goals. When she retired from running in 2003, she began to focus on supporting charity and her community. The Cathy Freeman Foundation provides education opportunities to Indigenous Australians.
How About You?
What are the three main ways you remain resilient? Can you draw a poster of your ideas and keep it close by for the next time you have a setback?
All of us have different strategies for bouncing back after setbacks. Working out what yours are is part of your toolkit for life. Take some time to think of your tried and tested strategies and share them with a friend. They might have different ideas to yours.
Other Amazing People (you can find them on the website)
Jesse Owens is another amazing sportsperson. He faced discrimination as an African American. He was a talented athlete who broke several records even while at school, but it took many years before his greatness was appreciated and rewarded.
Other Useful Resources (available on the website)
If you are interested in exploring other indigenous people, please check out our Amazing Australian Indigenous Women resource.
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Photo: Allstar Picture Library Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo