July 16, 2003
In September 2000, Australia's Catherine Astrid Salome Freeman became the first still-competing athlete to be given the honour of lighting the Olympic flame. But that was not her only claim to fame.
The aborginal athlete won gold in the 400 metres at the Sydney Olympics. It was the first individual gold medal for an aborigine and the 100th all-time for her country.
Her influence has extended beyond the realm of sport. She has inspired her race and made them believe that they can achieve anything they set their mind too.
On July 16, Freeman announced her retirement from the sport.
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