Freeman to miss Games?

30 May 2002

Australia’s sprinting icon Cathy Freeman is unlikely to appear at
Manchester 2002 because of her husband’s serious illness.

Cathy Freeman has been forced to withdraw from the 400m at Manchester 2002

Cathy Freeman has announced she will be pulling out of all individual competition this year to be with her husband who requires medical treatment because of a cancerous condition.

The Australian star did, however, say there was a slight possibility that she might run the 4x400m relay at the Manchester Games in August.

"Probably at this stage, really, it is highly unlikely that I will be on the track at all, but we will just have to wait and see," she said.

"I will keep training and stay fit and I plan to return to competition as soon as I can.”

“At the moment my highest priority is to remain by my husband's side, and to give him as much love and support as possible."

Freeman had qualified for the 4x400m relay but had not made the individual 400m event because of a leg injury sustained earlier in the year. She had been hoping to make a late selection bid for inclusion in Australia's team for the individual event.

Simon Allatson, chief executive of Athletics Australia commented: "Clearly losing an athlete of the calibre of Cathy is a blow, as it would be for any team."

"But sport goes on...and some issues are more important than sport."