Latest news with #CathyFreeman
Sydney Morning Herald
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Seven years out, Queensland confident it can handle Games-inspired sports surge
Exactly seven years before the Brisbane 2032 cauldron is lit, the Queensland government is confident it will be able to deal with an expected spike in sports participation by aspiring athletes inspired by the Games. Sports Minister Tim Mander told a Committee for Brisbane lunch on Tuesday he expected inspired Queenslanders to get more active as a result of the Olympics. 'I just think back to when I was a young guy and we had the 'Life. Be In It' Norm program – the most effective advertising program ever,' he said. 'I can see something similar happening here as well, using the Games as inspiration. 'We all witnessed – most of us did, anyhow – Cathy Freeman. Was there anything better ever? 'And the Matildas playing here in a quarter-final, which I think is one of the best sporting events I've attended. And the result of that was thousands – thousands – of young girls who wanted to play football, and that's the type of thing we need.' But clubs across the state struggled with the post-FIFA Women's World Cup spike in demand, with would-be players turned away due to a lack of infrastructure. After the lunch – at which Deloitte released a report outlining a potential $70 billion economic windfall from the Games – Mander said a surge of interest in sport was 'a good problem to have'. He said the state government would be ready to accommodate more young people taking up all sports.
The Age
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Age
Seven years out, Queensland confident it can handle Games-inspired sports surge
Exactly seven years before the Brisbane 2032 cauldron is lit, the Queensland government is confident it will be able to deal with an expected spike in sports participation by aspiring athletes inspired by the Games. Sports Minister Tim Mander told a Committee for Brisbane lunch on Tuesday he expected inspired Queenslanders to get more active as a result of the Olympics. 'I just think back to when I was a young guy and we had the 'Life. Be In It' Norm program – the most effective advertising program ever,' he said. 'I can see something similar happening here as well, using the Games as inspiration. 'We all witnessed – most of us did, anyhow – Cathy Freeman. Was there anything better ever? 'And the Matildas playing here in a quarter-final, which I think is one of the best sporting events I've attended. And the result of that was thousands – thousands – of young girls who wanted to play football, and that's the type of thing we need.' But clubs across the state struggled with the post-FIFA Women's World Cup spike in demand, with would-be players turned away due to a lack of infrastructure. After the lunch – at which Deloitte released a report outlining a potential $70 billion economic windfall from the Games – Mander said a surge of interest in sport was 'a good problem to have'. He said the state government would be ready to accommodate more young people taking up all sports.
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Cathy Freeman reveals she's about to hit TV screens in a VERY surprising new role
Olympic icon Cathy Freeman has revealed she is starring in a music video with an Aussie rapper in an experience she said has brought her 'deep cultural pride'. The 52-year-old took to Instagram to tell her followers she'll be appearing in the clip with Nooky, an Indigenous hip-hop star who hails from the NSW south coast and launched the Blak Out music program on Triple J radio in 2021. 'So proud to be part of @nookymusic new video,' Freeman wrote. 'This behind-the-scenes photo brings back all the feelings - laughter, respect, and a deep cultural pride. 'Thank you, Nooky for having me. You're a force for our people.' Nooky returned the compliment by replying: 'Thanks so much for giving us your time and coming down. The kids are still buzzing as are the rest of us. Can't wait to drop this one.' The Olympic icon said starring in the clip made her feel 'laughter, respect, and deep cultural pride' in an announcement on social media The appearance will be a venture into new territory for Freeman, who hasn't appeared in a music video before - although controversial rapper Ay Hutcho released a tune called 'Cathy Freeman' last year. Nooky - who bills himself as the 'future Mayor of Nowra' - launched Blak Out to showcase Indigenous music and artists and was also a delegate for First Nations people at the United Nations in April last year. He's known for songs like Run Dingo, Always Was Always Will Be, Change The Date and Savage Mob. Freeman's starring role comes after a very turbulent period in her private life. The Sydney 2000 gold medalist split from her husband of 15 years, James Murch, in August last year. They released a joint statement announcing that they were parting ways and will continue co-parenting their daughter Ruby. 'After 15 years of marriage we have unfortunately separated. We continue co-parenting and this is our greatest priority,' the statement read. 'We continue sharing a professional and working partnership through Estrella Sports Management. 'Given this is a personal matter we would greatly appreciate you respecting our privacy and we won't be making any further comment.' Freeman was spotted holding hands with a mystery man in Sydney back in April as they attended the Nike After Dark sporting event. Cathy happily chatted with her new man while she was a guest of honour at the event, which hosts night foot races for women in six major cities across the world, as she was spotted speaking alongside fellow Olympian Ariarne Titmus. The retired athlete was first pictured with her mystery man in September last year when they enjoyed an outing in Cairns. Freeman threw her support behind another Indigenous initiative in a social media post she made last month. She urged her 34,000 Instagram followers to watch the 'incredible short film' Change Direction, which 'raises awareness about the mental health crisis in Aboriginal communities'. Freeman looks to have fully recovered from the leg ailment that forced her to use crutches for an extended period in 2023, including when she made a surprise motivational visit to the Matildas camp during the World Cup. She had an accident at home that left her needing surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dalton's stellar sports career dimmed by back injury
With a sporting career inspired by Cathy Freeman, fellow Olympic gold medallist and multi-sports star Chloe Dalton has been forced to retire due a back injury. Part of the champion women's sevens rugby team at the 2016 Rio Games, Dalton also played AFLW for both Carlton and GWS over seven seasons, running out for 32 games. Demonstrating her versatility and skill, she also played in the WNBL before switching her focus to rugby sevens. Requiring back surgery after an injury ended her 2024 season with the Giants, Dalton said she's failed to recover sufficiently to resume her career. "Retired. After a second back surgery nine months ago, my body hasn't bounced back to the point where I can play footy again," the 31-year-old posted on social media. "It's been a tricky process trying to come to terms with the fact that my sporting career has finished through injury." Dalton posted a series of photos and told the story of her sporting journey; how she was determined to win an Olympic gold medal after watching Freeman's triumph at the Sydney Games. When realising she wasn't good enough to make the Australian basketball team she set her sights on sevens. "I went onto Google and typed in lists of Olympic sports," Dalton wrote. "Rugby sevens would be in the Olympics for the first time in 2016. I had just 2.5 years to learn how to play rugby and secure myself a ticket on that plane to Rio. "... That seven year old girl got to stand on the podium and have her very own Olympic gold medal put around her neck." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chloe Dalton (@chloeedalton) Dalton said that she then saw AFLW on television and, although she didn't know the rules, wanted to play. Joining the Blues in 2018, she was part of Carlton's grand final team a year later. She decided to switch back to sevens to compete at the Tokyo Olympics but shattered her cheekbone four weeks out from the Games. After launching The Female Athlete Project, which is a platform to highlight the sporting achievements of women, she then resumed her AFLW career with GWS but injuries restricted her to just 16 games across four seasons. After announcing her retirement the Giants congratulated Dalton her achievements and contribution. "Chloe's impact both on and off the field for the Giants has been profound and she'll leave a lasting legacy with her teammates, coaches and staff," GWS women's football boss Alison Zell said.
Perth Now
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Dalton's stellar sports career dimmed by back injury
With a sporting career inspired by Cathy Freeman, fellow Olympic gold medallist and multi-sports star Chloe Dalton has been forced to retire due a back injury. Part of the champion women's sevens rugby team at the 2016 Rio Games, Dalton also played AFLW for both Carlton and GWS over seven seasons, running out for 32 games. Demonstrating her versatility and skill, she also played in the WNBL before switching her focus to rugby sevens. Requiring back surgery after an injury ended her 2024 season with the Giants, Dalton said she's failed to recover sufficiently to resume her career. "Retired. After a second back surgery nine months ago, my body hasn't bounced back to the point where I can play footy again," the 31-year-old posted on social media. "It's been a tricky process trying to come to terms with the fact that my sporting career has finished through injury." Dalton posted a series of photos and told the story of her sporting journey; how she was determined to win an Olympic gold medal after watching Freeman's triumph at the Sydney Games. When realising she wasn't good enough to make the Australian basketball team she set her sights on sevens. "I went onto Google and typed in lists of Olympic sports," Dalton wrote. "Rugby sevens would be in the Olympics for the first time in 2016. I had just 2.5 years to learn how to play rugby and secure myself a ticket on that plane to Rio. "... That seven year old girl got to stand on the podium and have her very own Olympic gold medal put around her neck." Dalton said that she then saw AFLW on television and, although she didn't know the rules, wanted to play. Joining the Blues in 2018, she was part of Carlton's grand final team a year later. She decided to switch back to sevens to compete at the Tokyo Olympics but shattered her cheekbone four weeks out from the Games. After launching The Female Athlete Project, which is a platform to highlight the sporting achievements of women, she then resumed her AFLW career with GWS but injuries restricted her to just 16 games across four seasons. After announcing her retirement the Giants congratulated Dalton her achievements and contribution. "Chloe's impact both on and off the field for the Giants has been profound and she'll leave a lasting legacy with her teammates, coaches and staff," GWS women's football boss Alison Zell said.
