After accepting the honour of lighting Sydney's Olympic flame, Cathy Freeman was humble enough to give organisers a get-out clause.
Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates recalled offering Freeman the star ceremonial role over dinner in a Los Angeles restaurant four months before the 2000 Games.
The Australian Olympic Committee acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of all the lands on which we are located. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present.
We celebrate and honour all of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Olympians.
The Australian Olympic Committee is committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society and sport.
