At 16years of age Freeman won gold at the Commonwealth Games as part of the 4×100m relay team.In 1990she was awarded Young Australian of the Year，and Aboriginal Athlete of the Year in 1991.In 1992Freeman became the first Aboriginal track and field athlete to represent Australia at an Olympic Games.She became one of popular figures after winning the gold medal in the women' s 400meters in the Olympic Games2000held in her motherland.

　　It all started in Atlanta.That was the first time I saw her.I said to myself damn，she's kind a cute I must tune in tomorrow for a second glimpse.The next time I saw her，she looked even better.After the Olympic Games I was somewhat obsessed1） with seeing her again；mostly due to the fact that it was next to impossible to find anything on her，that little glimpse wasn't enough.Soon，I started looking for track2） magazines，books，and watching track shows every time they were aired3）。I didn't even like track，I just watched to see her run.Guess you can say Freeman was my introduction to track and field.With the track and field，I observed，I learned more about the sport and the major players involved in it.

　　Not only is Cathy Freeman good－looking and an athlete who possesses supreme physical talents but also she's a great woman with a wonderful personality as well.She represents4） her Aborigine5） people to the fullest，fights for them，and gives them something to believe in.Cathy is a hero for Aborigines and non Aborigines alike.In this day of sports when most athletes think of only themselves，Cathy is one of the few who makes a conscious effort to represent herself as a positive role model.She's an extremely intelligent young woman who knows who she is and is proud of it.Cathy is a very special person who can light up a whole room.Her beauty lies within as well as on the outside.

　　Now she's won the gold in the400－meter－race at the Olympics.She is truly the best at her game.Not only does Cathy make her fellow Australians proud but many around the world.With the lighting of the torch6） at 2000Olympic games，Cathy brought Australians closer together.

　　When asked about her future after the race，guess how Cathy replied？“Every second my thoughts take me somewhere else.Retirement？Sure，it's crossed my mind.Living in another country？Sure，it's crossed my mind.What I love so much about life is that it's a mystery and who knows what lies ahead.My plan now is just to get a massage right away.”

　by Graham Thomas