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Cathy Freeman Cathy Freeman i(A59722 works by) (birth name: Catherine Astrid Salome Freeman) (a.k.a. Catherine Freeman)
Born: Established: 1973 Slade Point, Mackay, Mackay - Sarina area, Marlborough - Mackay - Townsville area, Queensland, ;
Gender: Female
Heritage: Aboriginal ; Aboriginal Kuku-Yalanji ; Aboriginal Birri-Gubba Juru
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1 y separately published work icon The Heartbeat of the Land Cathy Freeman , Coral Vass , Tannya Harricks (illustrator), Melbourne : Larrikin House , 2022 24683797 2022 single work picture book children's 'Cathy ran barefoot every day across the great ancient land, as her people had done for sixty thousand years before. And when she ran, she could hear the heartbeat of the land. Ba Boom Ba Boom Ba Boom...Then one day, Cathy hears a cry. She answers this cry and, with one small step at a time, the seeds of change are planted. Cathy Freeman has always been an inspiration to young people. Here, she does it again, through storytelling — just as her people have done, for sixty thousand years before...Listen, and you too, will hear the Heartbeat of the Land.'

 (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Born to Run Cathy Freeman , Charmaine Ledden-Lewis (illustrator), Melbourne : Puffin , 2021 22129955 2021 single work picture book autobiography children's

'A gorgeous picture book that will inspire girls and boys everywhere to chase their dreams.

'As a little girl, Cathy Freeman had only had one dream - to win a gold medal at the Olympics. At twenty-seven years old, that dream came true. At the Sydney 2000 Games, she crossed the finish line, won a gold medal for Australia and became a national hero. How did she go from being a little girl who loved to run to an inspiration to people around the world?

'Accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis, Cathy tells her story about where self belief, hard work and the power of a loving family can take you.' (Publication summary)
1 y separately published work icon Born to Run : My Story Cathy Freeman , Melbourne : Puffin , 2007 22130150 2007 single work autobiography information book children's

'Hi guys,

'Ever since I was little I only had one dream – to win a gold medal at the Olympics.

'When I was twenty-seven years old, my dream came true. I'll never forget that night at the Sydney 2000 Games – as I crossed the finish line, it was as if the whole of Australia was cheering for me.

'Sometimes I still wonder how it happened. When I was growing up, I felt no different to anyone else. I loved having fun with my brothers, sleeping over at nanna's and going horse riding with my dad. But I especially loved to run. With the help of my family, coaches and teachers, I became the best female 400-metre runner in the world.

'I hope you enjoy my story, and that it inspires you to chase after your dreams too!'(Publication summary)
1 Ten Hot Tips for Life Cathy Freeman , 2005 single work prose children's
— Appears in: Kids' Night In 2 : A Feast of Stories 2005; (p. 160-162)
1 Finish Line Cathy Freeman , 2003 extract autobiography (Cathy : Her Own Story)
— Appears in: The Courier-Mail , 25 October 2003; (p. 4-5)
1 I Knew It Was Awful, I Knew It Was Ruthless but I Also Knew It Was the Best Thing for Both of Us Cathy Freeman , Scott Gullan , 2003 extract autobiography (Cathy : Her Own Story)
— Appears in: The Advertiser , 25 October 2003; (p. 4-5)
1 8 y separately published work icon Cathy : Her Own Story Cathy Freeman , Scott Gullan , Camberwell : Viking , 2003 Z1077287 2003 single work autobiography

'"I'm just a little black girl who can run fast, and here I am sitting in the Olympic stadium, with one hundred and twelve thousand people screaming my name. How the hell did I get here?"

Few of us will forget Cathy Freeman's gold-winning run at the Sydney Olympic Games. With the expectations of a nation on her shoulders, her victory that night confirmed her as a national hero. But the win was more than just a sporting triumph. In that euphoric moment, Cathy Freeman symbolised our best and broadest vision of ourselves, a reconciled Australia. She became our Cathy.

For the first time, in her own words, Cathy Freeman tells the story of her remarkable life. With characteristic honesty she talks about growing up black in a white world, about her large, close-knit family, her complicated relationship with Nick Bideau, marriage to Sandy Bodecker and their painful separation. She talks about how it feels to represent your country, the price of fame, and the real reasons behind her heart-wrenching decision to retire.

Cathy tells us what it's like to be Cathy Freeman. Her strength, courage, and magnetic personality are reflected on every page.' Source: Publishers' blurb (Sighted 28/07/2009).
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