Cathy Freeman Timeline By Jonah_221 Feb 16, 1976 Kathy Freeman was born. Period: Feb 16, 1976 to Jan 1, 2011 Kathy Freeman Timeline Jan 1, 1990 Awarded "Young Australian of the Year". Jun 24, 1990 The first Aborigine to win a gold medal at an international athletics event. Jan 1, 1992 The first Aborigine to represent Australia at the Olympic Games. Jan 1, 1998 Awarded "Australian of the Year". Jan 1, 2000 The first Aborigine to light the Olympic flame. Jul 15, 2003 Cathy Freeman anounces her retirement from competitive running. Jan 1, 2011 Cathy Freeman Foundation.