cathy freeman, oam (born 16 february 1973) is a retired australian sprinter. she ran mostly in the 400 metres event. she became the olympic champion for the women's 400 metres at the 2000 summer olympics. she lit the olympic flame at the beginning of the 2000 games. she has won several medals at the commonwealth games, the olympics, and the iaaf world championships. she retired from athletics in 2003.