A nation enraptured. Having lit the flame to open the Games at Sydney 2000, Australia's Cathy Freeman delivered in full by winning gold in the 400m, producing an iconic moment for the host nation. More Great Olympic Moments: http://bit.ly/30LU2rT #StrongerTogether #1YearToGo | Olympics

323K views · 7.2K reactions | 25 years ago today! Cathy Freeman lit up Sydney 2000 with this iconic moment that started an incredible Olympic Games. 朗 What was your favourite moment?#OTD #Olympics #Sydney2000 | Olympics | Facebook

9.7K reactions · 1.3K shares | 15 years ago today, Cathy Freeman ran 49.11 in the Women's 400m final to win gold for Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. | Olympics | Facebook

916K views · 702 shares | 16 years ago today, Cathy Freeman won her nation's heart. | Olympics | Facebook

Cathy Freeman was an unstoppable athlete, collecting title after title, medal after medal, and earning many firsts as an Australian Aboriginal. She realized at a young age that Indigenous people were not treated the same as the rest of the Australian population. She faced challenges and oppression, but let neither stop her from achieving greatness for herself, for the nation, and for other Aboriginals. As she became widely recognized, she became a powerful symbol of unity for Australia, becoming

An Australian household name, Cathy Freeman can be heralded as one of Australia’s greatest ever sportspeople.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ In 2000, Carrying the weight of the nation on her shoulders, Cathy was awarded the honour of lighting flame at the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Olympics. Ten days later, in a packed stadium of over 112,000 people and wearing a now legendary full body suit she collected the ultimate prize. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Taking the lead 75 metres from home Cathy Freeman held off her challengers to win Olymp