Aussie Olympic legend Cathy Freeman has stepped out without the aid of her walking stick in a rare public sighting with a friend.
Freeman, 51, was spotted in trendy Melbourne suburb Brighton on her way to lunch with an unknown companion this week.
The athletics gold medal winner at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 suffered an unfortunate accident while at home last year, which left her needing surgery for a ruptured achilles tendon.
Freeman also made headlines last September when the NSW government announced it would be naming a grandstand after her at Sydney's Accor Stadium, where she thrilled the nation with her famous win on the track over 400m at the Games.
The Indigenous sporting legend said she was 'deeply honoured and humbled' to be permanently recognised at a stadium that held such a special place in her heart.
Aussie Olympic legend Cathy Freeman has stepped out without the aid of her walking stick in a rare public sighting with a friend this week
Freeman, 51, was spotted in trendy the Melbourne suburb of Brighton on her way to lunch with an unknown companion
The star of the Sydney Olympics suffered an unfortunate accident while at home last year, which left her needing surgery for a ruptured achilles tendon
The track star endured enormous expectation from the Australian public ahead of the 2000 Games - but still landed gold in the 400m final
'I hope that my story continues to inspire generations of girls and boys to chase their own dreams in sport and life,' she said.
Freeman called time on her sporting career in 2003, adamant winning Olympic gold three years earlier was the pinnacle achievement of her sporting career.
'I won't ever have the same fulfilling moment,' she explained.
'I don't have the same hunger. I know what it takes to be a champion, to be the best in the world, and I just don't have that feeling right now.'
Freeman made a surprise appearance on the pitch with Matildas star Mary Fowler after helping inspire the team to their recent 10-0 win over Uzbekistan in Melbourne
The athletics icon was seen using a walking stick when she paid a surprise visit to the Matildas at last year's World Cup (pictured)
Freeman then created the Cathy Freeman Foundation, an organisation which supports Indigenous students.
She was also an ambassador for the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation until 2012.
Meanwhile, Matildas defender Aivi Luik revealed that an unexpected pre-game talk from Freeman was the catalyst for their recent 10-0 win over Uzbekistan, which sealed Olympic qualification.
The Aussie women's side only needed a draw to ensure safe passage to the Paris Olympics - but hammered their opposition at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
A special moment unfolded on the field as the notoriously reclusive Freeman appeared on the pitch, posing for photos with players - including fellow Indigenous star Mary Fowler.
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