Aussies are a multicultural society: Freeman

Sydney: Australian Cathy Freeman extended the horizons on Tuesday when asked to comment on her commitment to the Aboriginal cause after lighting the Olympic flame last Friday.

The world 400 metres champion, Australia's only realistic hope of a gold in the focal sport of the Games, was repeatedly invited at a news conference to comment on the importance of her Aboriginal heritage.

While reaffirming her commitment to her people, Freeman made it clear that she felt she represented a new multicultural Australia, symbolised by her lighting the flame at the climax of an evocative opening ceremony.

"It was a big honour for the Aboriginal community," she said. "It was very inspirational, very inspirational for all Australia. We are living in a multicultural and bilingual country and really what I think I am about in the future is to be the person I want to be," she said.

"A lot of people got a kick out of me lighting the flame including my mother and aboriginal people walking up the street."

'My mind was totally blown away'

Freeman spoke of her reaction when asked if she would light the torch."I was in shock and numb and my mind was totally blown away," she said. "I don't think I have let it sink in yet. I don't think I will get to reflect on it until after the Olympics are over."

Freeman, the gold medallist at the past two world championships, is under enormous pressure to win if she gets to next Monday. Seeking to lessen the burden of expectation, she based herself in London during the European athletics season and on her return to Australia trained at a secret venue in Melbourne.

She said she was feeling relaxed as she prepared for Friday's first round heats before a home crowd intolerant of sporting failure. "I do what I do at home, which is to chill out," she said. "I'm really relaxed."

Freeman's last formal news conference before the athletics programme opens on Friday followed a French team news conference, which was notable mainly for the absence of defending champion Marie-Jose Perec.

Perec, who preceded Michael Johnson to the 200-400 double at the Atlanta Games four years ago, has declined to join the French team's training camp and did not turn up to the news conference on Tuesday.

Freeman was diplomatic when asked about her main rival. "Obviously she's tough, she's a tough competitor," Freeman said. "But at the same time I must run my own race and do what I'm supposed to do."



(c) Reuters Limited.