Olympic legend Cathy Freeman’s shock confession over famous gold medal run as university looks to study the ‘dream state’ she used to dominate the world

Olympic icon Cathy Freeman has shared that Monash University is studying how she managed the nation’s expectations before winning gold in the 400 meters at the 2000 Sydney Games. 

It comes after an extraordinary confession where Freeman says she never completely fulfilled her potential as an athlete despite her gold-winning heroics at the Sydney Olympics. 

Freeman’s victory, witnessed by 112,000 fans at the Olympic Stadium, is considered one of Australia’s most legendary sporting moments. 

As the Paris Games approach, Freeman reflected on her career, saying that she could have run even faster in her defining race at the Sydney Olympics.

Stunningly, Freeman has now said she could have run even faster and was even disappointed in her Sydney performance

Freeman’s main rival Marie-Jose Perec fled Australia prior to the big race after an alleged confrontation with a man at her hotel

Her gold medal run, under immense pressure as the home favorite and face of the Sydney Games, is a monumental part of Australian sports history. 

Yet, Freeman, now 51, believes she could have elevated her performance if French star Marie-Jose Perec had competed against her.

‘I didn’t run as fast as I could have. I disappointed myself,’ she said.

It was was a shocking confession, with Freeman saying she needed Perec beside her to get the best out of herself. 

‘I’d become used to expectation being put on me,’ Freeman said. 

‘I almost needed it, because it kind of helps drive you and push you beyond what you think you’re capable of doing. 

‘Having said that, I don’t even think I really fulfilled my potential as an athlete, but that’s another story … Learning to unburden yourself is really important, and finding freedom in life is key.’

Freeman’s run has inspired a host of fresh new athletes, including Matildas star Mary Fowler

Freeman said she would go into a dream state when she was running and would not remember anything that happened on the track

Monash University is now looking to study Freeman and that dream state to help get a better understanding of what made her a champion athlete

Freeman also announced her collaboration with Monash University’s contemplative and conscious studies department, focusing on her meditative ‘dream’ state during the race. 

She explained the importance of inner focus for athletes, describing it as mindfulness or meditation.

‘Before I walked out from under the stadium with the seven other competitors, the lights were intense. I was aware of the narrative around me – the story and meaning. It wasn’t just about sport; it involved social justice too,’ she said.

‘The last thing I heard was, ‘Go Cathy, go Cathy,’ from a man with brown hair. 

Then I entered a trance or dream state. I didn’t hear anything until I crossed the line, and I thought, ‘Where am I? Someone help me understand it.’ 

That’s why Monash sees me as a symbol of meditation, mindfulness, being in flow, or in the zone.’