Cathy Freeman Raced

CATHY FREEMAN RACED for more than medals in the 2000 Olympics. Representing both her country and its native people, the Australian Aborigine carried a huge burden.

Australia honored its popular track star by having Freeman light the flaming cauldron atop Olympic Stadium in the opening ceremonies. Ten days later, she faced the race of a lifetime in the 400 meters. Despite her three-year undefeated streak, the 27-year-old sprinter felt the pressure of performing well before her native fans in addition to the 386,000 members of her mostly impoverished, minority race.

With 112,524 chanting her name, Freeman bolted from the blocks. Jamaica’s Lorraine Graham and Great Britain’s Katharine Merry led through the final turn, but Freeman pulled ahead with about 20 meters remaining. The first Aborigine gold medalist recorded a 49.11 with Graham clocking a 49.58 and Merry a 49.72.

After catching her breath, Freeman sat and pulled off her shoes, which reflected the Aboriginal colors. Clad in a gold, green, and gray bodysuit, she took her victory lap barefoot. To celebrate her win, Cathy carried two flags around the stadium. One bore Australia’s Union Jack and Southern Cross. The other waved the red, yellow, and black of the Aborigine people.

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POINT Freeman descended from a culture dating back thousands of years. But beginning from the British settlement of Sydney in 1788, the natives became disadvantaged. Government policy dictated thousands of their children be removed from their mother’s care. Aborigines live an average of 20 years less than other Australians. Many face unemployment and violence.

Cathy Freeman wanted to be a beacon of light for her people. Sure, she wanted to claim the gold, but she ran with a deeper purpose in each stride—to give her people hope.

God wants us to do the same thing. He wants us to run straight to our goal and not waver or miss.

GOAL! Imagine having all the hopes and dreams of your people resting on your shoulders. Cathy Freeman did, and she reached her goal. With God’s help, run strong and straight to your goal.