Cathy Freeman poses with Mary Fowler in surprise appearance at Matildas game as fans go wild after seeing Australian icon

Cathy Freeman made a rare public appearance on Wednesday night as the Olympic hero watched the Matildas book their place at the Paris Games.

Four goals from Michelle Heyman helped the Australians to a stunning 13-0 aggregate victory over Uzbekistan at Marvel Stadium, even more impressive without star captain Sam Kerr.

Freeman, 50, is recovering after a shocking injury that forced her to have surgery last year, but she still needs the help of a cane to get around.

The gold medalist ruptured her Achilles tendon while at home, but has made progress after initially using crutches to improve her mobility.

The world-renowned Indigenous athlete made headlines in September when the New South Wales government announced it would name a stand after her at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, where she thrilled the nation with her famous Games victory.

On the same date, 23 years ago, Freeman lit the flame at the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games in the same stadium.

Ten days later, she won the women’s 400m final at the venue, completing a famous victory lap holding the Australian and Indigenous flags in front of a crowd of more than 110,000 supporters.

It was the most-watched television event in the country’s history before being replaced by the Matildas’ World Cup semi-final clash against England at the same stadium.

Freeman said she felt “deeply honored and humbled” to be permanently recognized in a stadium that held a special place in her heart.

“I hope that my story continues to inspire generations of girls and boys to pursue their own dreams in sport and life,” he said.

Having won the first leg of their Olympic qualifier 3-0 on a freezing day in Tashkent, Australia were relentless on a sweltering night at Melbourne’s Docklands Stadium, where Heyman’s haul thrilled a crowd of 54,120.

“It was very special,” Matildas captain Steph Catley said.

“Everything we set out to do we have done, so it is a proud moment for us to reach another Olympic Games.”

With Sam Kerr and Kyah Simon sidelined with injuries, Heyman has made the most of his first internationals in six years, scoring in both games against the world number 47 Uzbeks.