Olympic legend Cathy Freeman’s shock confession over famous gold medal run as university looks to study the ‘dream state’ she used to dominate the world

Olympic icon Cathy Freeman has said Monash University is investigating how she met the country’s expectations before winning gold in the 400 meters at the 2000 Sydney Games.

It comes after an extraordinary admission in which Freeman says she never fully fulfilled her potential as an athlete, despite her gold-winning exploits at the Sydney Olympics.

Freeman’s victory, witnessed by 112,000 fans at the Olympic Stadium, is considered one of Australia’s most legendary sporting moments.

As the Paris Games approached, Freeman reflected on her career and said she could have run even faster in her decisive race at the Sydney Olympics.

Freeman captured the hearts and minds of all Australians when she claimed Olympic gold in the 400m spring event at the Sydney Games

Stunningly, Freeman has now said she could have run even faster and was even disappointed with her performance in Sydney

Freeman’s main rival Marie-Jose Perec fled Australia ahead of the big race after an alleged confrontation with a man at her hotel

Her gold medal run, under immense pressure as home favorite and face of the Sydney Games, is a monumental part of Australian sporting history.

Still, Freeman, now 51, believes she could have improved her performance if French star Marie-Jose Perec had competed against her.

“I wasn’t running as fast as I could. “I let myself down,” she said.

It was a shocking admission, with Freeman saying she needed Perec by her side to get the best out of herself.

“I had gotten used to what was expected of me,” Freeman said.

‘I almost needed it, because it helps you go further than you think you are capable of.

“That said, I don’t even think I really fulfilled my potential as an athlete, but that’s another story. Learning to unburden yourself is very important, and finding freedom in life is key.”

Freeman’s run has inspired a host of new athletes, including Matildas star Mary Fowler

Freeman said she would enter a dream state while running and not remember anything that happened on the track

Monash University now wants to study Freeman and that dream state to gain a better understanding of what made her a champion athlete

Freeman also announced her collaboration with Monash University’s department of contemplative and conscious studies, focusing on her meditative ‘dream state’ during the race.

She explained the importance of inner focus for athletes, describing it as mindfulness or meditation.

‘Before I walked out from under the stadium with the seven other participants, the lights were intense. I was aware of the story around me – the story and the meaning. It wasn’t just about sports; it also related to social justice,” she said.

“The last thing I heard was, ‘Go Cathy, go Cathy,’ from a man with brown hair.

Then I entered a trance or dream state. I didn’t hear anything until I crossed the line and I thought, ‘Where am I? Someone can help me understand.’

That’s why Monash sees me as a symbol of meditation, mindfulness, being in flow, or in the zone.’