Cathy Freeman steps out in rare public sighting – with one small detail sure to make her fans happy

Australian Olympic legend Cathy Freeman walked out without the aid of her cane during a rare public sighting with a friend.

Freeman, 51, was spotted this week in the trendy Melbourne suburb of Brighton on her way to lunch with an unknown companion.

The 2000 Sydney Olympic track and field gold medalist suffered an unfortunate accident while at home last year, forcing her to undergo surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon .

Freeman also made headlines last September when the New South Wales government announced it would name a grandstand after her at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, where she delighted the nation with her famous victory on the track over 400m at the Games.

The Indigenous sports legend said she was “deeply honored and humbled” to be permanently recognized at a stadium that held such a special place in her heart.

Freeman, 51, was spotted in the trendy Melbourne suburb of Brighton on her way to lunch with an unknown companion.

The Sydney Olympics star suffered an unfortunate accident while at home last year, which left her needing surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon.

The track and field star had huge expectations from the Australian public ahead of the 2000 Games, but she still took gold in the 400m final.

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

Freeman ended her sporting career in 2003, believing that winning Olympic gold three years earlier was the pinnacle of her sporting career.

“I will never have the same moment of fulfillment,” she explained.

“I don’t have the same hunger. I know what it takes to be a champion, to be the best in the world, and I just don’t have that feeling right now.

Freeman made a surprise appearance on the field with Matildas star Mary Fowler after inspiring the team in their recent 10-0 win over Uzbekistan in Melbourne.

The athletics icon was seen using a cane when she made a surprise visit to the Matildas at last year’s World Cup (pictured)

Freeman went on to create the Cathy Freeman Foundation, an organization that supports indigenous students.

She was also an ambassador for the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation until 2012.

Meanwhile, Matildas defender Aivi Luik has revealed that an unexpected pre-match speech from Freeman was the catalyst for their recent 10-0 win over Uzbekistan, which sealed Olympic qualification.

The Australian women’s team needed just a draw to ensure their safe passage to the Paris Olympics, but they beat their opposition at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.

A special moment took place on the field when the notoriously reclusive Freeman appeared on the field, posing for photos with players including fellow Indigenous star Mary Fowler.