Born to Run

by Cathy Freeman

Hi guys,

Ever since I was little I only had one dream – to win a gold medal at the Olympics.

When I was twenty-seven years old, my dream came true. I'll never forget that night at the Sydney 2000 Games – as I crossed the finish line, it was as if the whole of Australia was cheering for me.

Sometimes I still wonder how it happened. When I was growing up, I felt no different to anyone else. I loved having fun with my brothers, sleeping over at nanna's and going horse riding with my dad. But I especially loved to run. With the help of my family, coaches and teachers, I became the best female 400-metre runner in the world.

I hope you enjoy my story, and that it inspires you to chase after your dreams too!

Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography, School, Inspirational, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Biography

Unknown Binding

First published March 5, 2007

Reviews

[Nola Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short autobiography that traces the life of one of Australia's most beloved athletes, Olympic gold-medallist Cathy Freeman. It follows her childhood, through the start of her running career, to the Olympics and beyond.

As I was reading it, I was thinking that some of the more difficult topics were covered a bit too briefly (e.g. her parents' divorce and her experiences of racism). It wasn't until I finished the book that I saw a sentence on the back cover saying that it was her story told for younger readers. I guess that explains it - LOL! It was in the adult section of my library.

Still, it was an enjoyable read, and Cathy gives some inspiring advice about following your dreams. If you want a quick overview of her life, this is a good place to start. However, you might want to check out her full-length autobiography for more details.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was also my childhood. I contemplated writing about it in my Geopol class response on its themes of nationalism and indigenous identity but I missed the deadline.

[Jessica Fyffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and easy little read

[Stephie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was actually very inspiring :)

[Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember watching the Sydney 2000 Olympics as a kid. Remember watching Cathy Freeman light the torch, remember when she won her golds. Although I didn’t understand what the “big fuss” was, I did feel that same national pride as everyone else. What I had never realised was that she wrote a biography seven years later. I only discovered this because I happened to be looking for a book written by a female athlete. And I’m really glad that I did…

This is one of the easiest biographies I think I’ve ever read. It is open, honest and fun. there isn’t a lot of detail throughout the pages, but rather, an outlining of each piece of information as you progress through the years of her life. And it was a far more interesting journey than I was kind of imagining. Freeman not only talks about her love of running and freedom, but she also discusses her thankfulness for her family and the support that she’s received.

Not only is this an inspiring story – it’s also one that is very much about family. There is not a chapter in the novel that doesn’t mention her mother and step-father, father and siblings. Anne-Marie her deceased sister is specifically talked about throughout. It’s not just about the journey and the hard work that Cathy Freeman had to put in to her passions to get to the Olympics. It’s also about the fun, the family and the journey. Something that I can’t forget and will definitely flick through again when I need a reminder that YOU CAN DO THIS!

My biggest regret with this story is the fact that I didn’t know about it until recently. This would have been a phenomenal book to read when I was younger. This is a good insight into a very well known Indigenous Australian and some of the hurdles that she had to overcome because of Australia’s racism.

[Tiani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is now a part of my collection of favourite books. It is just so inspiring, and deep. Seeing how Catherine Freeman trained hard to reach her goal, and eventually reached it, really makes me feel like I can do anything if I work hard. I felt so inspired while reading this book. It was amazing how determined Catherine was, and how she had already had a dream at the young age of 10. It was a fascinating biography, and it made me think about how other famous inspiring people got to where they are now. The autobiography made me realise that, sometimes, we only see things as they are. On the outside, it may seem easy becoming an athlete, or achieving your dream; this book shows that to achieve your dreams, you need to have perseverance, determination, and hard work. Becoming an athlete isn't all fun and games. This book showed the pain and struggle that Catherine had to go through, the intense training, and the hardships. However, she knew that it was all worth it in the end when her dream came true. Her story taught me so much, about how you she strive to achieve your goal, you should never let failures put you down because they help you to learn, and that 'Dreams do come true' (quoted by Catherine Freeman).

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and entertaining for kids of all ages. Great illustrations to grab attention.
Reading through it is really quite an emotional experience for this adult. I had that visceral reaction of the hairs on my arms standing up as I read Cathy’s telling of events I remember watching and cheering for her through the tv screen.

[Cathryn Wellner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a small glimpse into the life of one of Australia's favourite athletes. It skims the surface but is a good nudge for young people with big dreams who need a shot of courage to go for them.

[Mandy Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful Australian who worked hard to make her dreams come true.

This book was easy to read as it was relatable to everyday people who dare to dream. An inspiration for young and old.

[Lucy]

This book really made me see a different perspective of culture and life. When I read this book I felt as If I was with Cathy hearing the sotry in person. This book showed me that no matter how hard things get, never give up. Overall, I highly reccomend reading this book.

[Marina Angeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for young readers, with simple language and stories of Cathy's childhood and Commonwealth and Olympic Games races.

[Kat Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great way for young teenagers to learn about Cathy Freeman

[Annie]

Very nice book

[Sienna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable and engaging read.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this book no less than 3 times, (ngl I probably read it more) and loved it every time,

[Francesca Grillo]

One of the humblest big stories out there. Makes winning an olympic gold medal feel almost easy :)

Did not realise this was for younger readers, but a pleasurable read nonetheless.

[Rhondda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cathy Freeman's voice, in this autobiography, still has the same refreshing feel of openness and honesty that she had when she was interviewed as an athlete.

"Ever since I was little I had one dream - to win a gold medal at the Olympics. When I was 27 my dream came true...... I hope you enjoy my story and that it inspires you to chase after your dreams too!"

The book recounts Cathy's story as she developed from a little girl who liked to run into a world champion 400 meter runner.
Her stories about growing up in a loving family, with a step-father she came to love and respect and a severely disabled sister who inspired her, are honest and simple. Young readers can relate to the adventures of the kids she describes.
There are highs and lows as she was growing up, all recounted without any judgemental tone. The story about Cathy and her brother receiving certificates instead of medals at one athletics meeting, whilst they were still at school, leaves the reader bemused that it happened and annoyed for her.
Gradually Cathy starts to reach the upper echelons of athletics and she begins to complete at the highest levels. The death of her beloved sister was a particularly poignant and sad part of the story but told by Cathy in a way that is re-affirming and uplifting.
There are many b&w photos throughout the book, some from official sources but many of the earlier ones are family shots which add to the text.
Cathy's 10 hot tips at the back of the book would work for any reader who have dreams of their own.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a very inspirational book which I like to read, over and over again. It is really good.

[Alex Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think i was a really good book. I liked how she talked about her life and how she got into the olympics.

[St Stephen's C C]

Ever since I was little I only had one dream - to win a gold medal at the Olympics. When I was twenty-seven years old, my dream came true. I'll never forget that night at the Sydney 2000 Games - as I crossed the finish line, it was as if the whole of Australia was cheering for me. Sometimes I still wonder how it happened. When I was growing up, I felt no different to anyone else. I loved having fun with my brothers, sleeping over at nanna's and going horse riding with my dad. But I especially loved to run. With the help of my family, coaches and teachers, I became the best female 400-metre runner in the world. I hope you enjoy my story, and that it inspires you to chase after your dreams too!