Cathy Freeman, the esteemed Olympic gold medallist, expressed deep gratitude upon receiving one of Australia’s highest civilian honours, the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), describing it as a significant gift from the Australian people. As a self-proclaimed “shy girl,” Freeman approached this recognition with thoughtful consideration and an evolving perspective, largely influenced by her mother, Cecilia Barber. Freeman reflected on her mother’s wisdom, explaining that Barber emphasized the importance of unity and encouraged her to embrace the honour without overthinking the implications.
Freeman, a trailblazer in athletics and a symbol of strength for many, recognizes that her achievements go beyond her athletic prowess, as she addresses themes related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, women in sport, and Olympism. Her aim is to utilize this award as a platform to foster unity in a nation often embroiled in discussions around political divisions, particularly on Australia Day.
This year, the Australia Day Honours List awarded 949 Australians, among which are not just Freeman but also remarkable figures like Professor Michelle Simmons, an acclaimed quantum physicist, and Professor Anne Kelso, a leading immunologist known for pivotal advancements in health and medical science. The increase in awards reflects a growing recognition of contributions across diverse fields, yet it is worth noting the gender disparity, with 73% of those recognized in the Order of Australia general division being men.
Freeman, who burst into the global spotlight with her gold medal victory in the 400 meters at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, views this accolade as a new chapter in her life, saying, “Life tends to always restart for me.” Having been retired for 25 years from competitive athletics, she embraces this recognition as an impetus to engage more deeply with her pursuits and responsibilities at this stage in her life, which she describes as “a reset.”
The list of honorees this year marked a notable expansion compared to past years, with Governor-General Sam Mostyn highlighting that the qualities exhibited by the recipients are reflective of Australia’s core values such as service, community, and resilience. Among other honorees, Mathias Cormann and Professor Peter Cook also join Freeman in receiving this exceptional recognition, showcasing the diverse talent present in Australia.
Freeman’s story is one of triumph not just in sports but also in inspiring unity and conversation in her community, making her acceptance of the honour powerfully symbolic in these complex times.