"You got to try and reach for the stars or try and achieve the unreachable."
Cathy Freeman
Athlete
Cathy Freeman is an Australian athlete known for her remarkable achievements in sprinting and her advocacy for Indigenous rights.
- Born
- February 16, 1973
- Quotes
- 57
- Rank
- #2704
About Cathy Freeman
Cathy Freeman — Life and Legacy
Cathy Freeman is a celebrated Australian sprinter who gained international fame for her achievements in athletics, particularly during the 2000 Sydney Olympics where she won gold in the 400 meters. Her significance extends beyond sports; she is a powerful advocate for Indigenous rights, using her platform to highlight the struggles faced by her community. Freeman's quotes often reflect her deep sense of identity and resilience, such as when she states, 'I run for my people,' which encapsulates her commitment to representing Indigenous Australians on the world stage. Her worldview is shaped by her experiences as a member of the Indigenous community, and her quotes reveal a profound understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized groups. For instance, her emphasis on self-belief and perseverance speaks to her journey of overcoming societal barriers and personal obstacles. Freeman's assertion that 'You have to believe in yourself' resonates with many, as it embodies her philosophy of empowerment through self-acceptance and determination. Today, Cathy Freeman's words continue to inspire individuals, particularly young athletes, to embrace their identities and strive for greatness. Her legacy is not only defined by her athletic prowess but also by her unwavering commitment to social justice, making her quotes relevant in discussions about identity, resilience, and the importance of representation in sports.
Quote collection
Cathy Freeman quotes (page 1 of 3)
57 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"I have been told many times that when I win I make my people proud to be Australian. I am Aboriginal, I am one of them and every time I win or am honoured like this it should be an example to Aboriginal people who may think they have nowhere to go but down. But more importantly I am an Australian and I would like to make all Australians feel proud to be Australian. Ours is a truly multicultural society and should be united as such. I would like to believe that my successes are celebrated by all Australians, bringing our nation together."
"Twenty seconds before a race, there's absolute focus. The key thing is to achieve relaxation, but at the same to have absolute total control. You've got to find the balance between being totally ready to go and being really at peace with yourself as well."
"I want to be a positive role model, especially for kids and Aboriginal people... When people see me, often all they see is another Australian athlete having a go. It isn't until they see the full Cathy Freeman picture that they realise how proud I am of my ancestry and heritage. I'd like a little more tolerance and acceptance of my culture and all the differing cultures that make up Australia."
"Between 1991 and 1997 I had really serious asthma."
"This occasion is personally very meaningful and I hope to visit Korea again if I have the chance."
"Realise there is always somebody else in the World who's not coping as well as you are."
"Disappointment and adversity can be catalysts for greatness. There's something particularly exciting about being the hunter, as opposed to the hunted. And that can make for powerful energy."
"I like looking feminine and I enjoy being a role model. I enjoy being a woman. It all comes down to having the confidence to be who you are."
"I am very determined and the sport is my passion. I believe I am born for running."
"I think the greatest amount of pressure is the pressure I place on myself. So in a way I chose to be alone."
"Peace, unity and harmony!"
"With Alexander's cancer, I was definitely brought to my knees for the first time because of the fear factor."
"My story has resonated around the world. I am just Catherine, I just like to run. And I'll run with opportunities."
"I was always surrounded by expectation from the very first race I ran as a 5-year-old."
"I felt so full of gratitude and humility that I clasped my hands in front of me, closed my eyes and said a silent prayer of thanks to God... I had at last achieved something I'd wanted for so long... My insides bubbled with happiness. It was a dream come true."
"I definitely do things on my terms, it may not seem that way but I actually do."
"When I'm in a bad mood, I don't listen."
"I'm certainly not ready to go changing the world overnight right now. I'm completely uninformed about a lot of our issues, a lot of the nation's issues, not just Indigenous issues."
"My mind is pretty made up that life for Cathy Freeman will be as an unmarried woman from now on."