Cathy Freeman
At the 1994 Commonwealth Games, Freeman celebrated her indigenous roots after victories in the 200 and 400 meter sprints by carrying both the Australian and Aboriginal flags. Freeman received stiff warnings that she could be sent home or even stripped of her medals if she did it again at future events.
But during the 2000 Sydney Olympics, she carried both flags again during an emotional victory lap after winning the gold medal in the 400 meter final.
“It was always a dream of mine to not only win an Olympic gold medal but to do the victory lap with both flags,” Freeman said in a documentary. “I hold the Aboriginal community in such a high place in my heart so I’m very proud of my Indigenous roots.”
