Super Cathy

Olympic champion and Kuku Yalanji and Birri Gubba woman Cathy Freeman AC (b. 1973) is recognised for her sporting legacy as well as her enduring advocacy for young First Nations people. This portrait celebrates Freeman’s iconic gold medal win in the 400m final at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. On her victory lap, Freeman famously draped both the Australian and Aboriginal flags around her shoulders in front of a crowd of 112,000 people. Divided into three distinct canvases, Whiskey captures her memories of the moment Australia collectively held its breath.

‘I remember when Cathy Freeman lit the Olympic Flame and won the gold medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. I was in Indulkana with my family, we were all watching her race on the television. Everyone was yelling loudly “run Cathy! Go Cathy!” and when she crossed the finish line we were all jumping up and cheering so much.

I wanted to make a special painting about Cathy, celebrating her and her important race, she was the best in the whole world! Cathy is a hero for Aboriginal people, she is a kungka kuṉpu – a strong woman. Cathy was proud to carry the Aboriginal flag after she ran the big race in Sydney. Cathy looked just like a superhero in her fast, green lycra-suit, the flag was her big cape, she was running and flying! In my painting I have included lots of bush tucker, flags, strong women, lightning and stars to show her power and strength – also she is having a good time, making a party to celebrate wherever she goes, “go Super Cathy!”’ Kaylene Whiskey

Aṉangu, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara languages in this work:

mingkulpa (minkulpa): wild bush tobacco
kungka: woman
wiṟu: great, lovely, nice, beautiful
kungka kuṉpu: strong woman

Purchased with funds provided by Elizabeth Dibbs and David Tudehope 2025
© Kaylene Whiskey