Two legends inspire South Australia’s latest sporting greats
Guests had the rare treat of witnessing Catherine Freeman and Bruce McAvaney relive the historic day “Cathy” won the gold medal in the 400 meters at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
Addressing a crowd that included teenagers who would never have seen the run that stopped – and changed – a nation, the deep friendship and respect between Freeman and McAvaney was on display.
Asked what the toughest part of being an athlete is, Freeman said it was the lonely walk from the warm up track to the start line.
“You really do feel like a lamb going to slaughter, to the slaughter house. And you just feel so vulnerable and just so like alone, actually,” Freeman said.
“It’s all self inflicted, so, you know, it’s fine and it’s worth it. It’s worth it.”
McAvaney said Freeman’s extraordinary life was inspiring, especially for a person who doesn’t seek the limelight but dared to show who she was at the Commonwealth Games in 1994 by running around the track with both the national and Aboriginal flags after she won.
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“It’s not natural for her to be up here as the centre of attention,” McAvaney said.
“That’s not Catherine, but she’s embraced it in a way, because she knows it’s important, because she has a legacy.
“At 21 years of age, Catherine changed the fabric of Australian society without really knowing, by having the courage to do a lap of honour in Victoria, Canada with two flags.”
Asked what it was like after the win in Sydney, Freeman was just as humble.
“I’ve always been aware that success is to be shared,” Freeman said, adding that she will be getting the medal out of the safe today to let the lady who has helped her recover from a knee surgery wear it for a day.
“It’s nice to share,” Freeman said, before then sharing a story about going back to her family after the 2000 Olympics and having her “little nephew George” place the gold medal around the neck of his dog.
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“So there’s this little dog running around with my gold medal,” she laughed.
Her message of sharing was appreciated by the winners of the Sports Moment of the Year; the SA female jockeys who made history by winning every race at Morphettville Racecourse on May 18, 2024.
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In their acceptance speech they acknowledged the women who came before them that paved the way to allow them the opportunity to ride and win on the day.
Freeman helped present the awards to the winners of all the categories of the South Australian Sports Awards. The Festival of Sport continues today at Morphettville, with a conference of leading sports industry experts.
South Australian Sports Awards Winners
Sammy D Foundation, Community Impact Award: LIV Golf Adelaide
Volunteering SA & NT, Outstanding Contribution Award: Greg Bald – Western Districts Community Sports Club – SANFL
Reconciliation South Australia, Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion Award: South Australian Cricket Association – Inclusive Cricket League
Revoloutinsie Sport Team Spirit Award: Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club – World Champion /World Record Holders and three-time Australian Champions Line Throw Team
Network 10 & InDaily Athlete of the Year: Travis Head – South Australian Cricket Association
Community Bank West Beach, Sports Moment of the Year: South Australian female jockeys make National racing history – Racing SA
