Cathy Freeman lights the Olympic flame at the Sydney 2000 Games
23 years ago today, Cathy Freeman made history
On September 15, 2000, Cathy Freeman emerged in her iconic fireproof bodysuit to light the Olympic flame and open the Sydney 2000 Games.
The ceremony took place in Stadium Australia before a crowd of 110,000 people. Freeman's lighting of the flame was a symbolic moment for Australia, as it marked the start of the first Olympic Games to be held in the country.
Freeman went on to win the gold medal in the women's 400-meter race at the Games, becoming the first Aboriginal Australian to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics. Her victory was a major moment for Indigenous Australians, and it helped to raise awareness of the issues facing Indigenous communities in Australia.
Freeman's legacy as an athlete and a role model continues to inspire Australians today. She is a tireless advocate for Indigenous rights, and she has used her platform to speak out on issues such as racism and inequality.
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