Cathy Freeman has been honoured at Sydney’s Accor Stadium. Image credit: Roadrunnerz45, Wikimedia Commons
A major grandstand at Sydney’s Accor Stadium has been named after Aboriginal sporting legend Cathy Freeman — known officially as “Cathy Freeman Stand”.
This is part of the New South Wales Government initiative to recognise and celebrate Australia’s greatest female athletes.
It is the first major recognition program at Accor Stadium.
“I’m so proud to announce that Cathy Freeman will have a grandstand named after her at the home of Australia’s biggest sporting moments,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns.
In April, the state government invited the public to vote for a female athlete they believed deserved the honour.
At the time, Minns said, “Celebrating Australia’s greatest female athletes was one of our election commitments that I am proud we can take swift action on.”
Accor Stadium is where Freeman won gold in the 400-metre final at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Freeman said she was “deeply honoured and humbled” by the recognition.
“This stadium and Sydney Olympic Park hold a truly special place in my heart and that will never change,” she said.
“I hope that my story continues to inspire generations of girls and boys to chase their own dreams in sport and life.”
Australian Olympic Committee President Ian Chesterman said it was a fitting honour and a wonderful gesture.
“Her victory in the 400 metres inspired future generations and united Australians in an unprecedented fashion,” he said.
“A proud Kuku Yalanji and Birri Gubba woman, she has motivated both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to reach for their dreams.”
In July, Freeman made a surprise visit to the Matildas ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Matildas said it was a night they would never forget.
Freeman anticipates that future generations of Australian female athletes will continue to “make their mark”.
