NBC’s Olympic coverage has rightfully gotten plenty of criticism throughout the years, but Tom Hammond has always been class, especially when it comes to track and field.
I was in Tasmania and I saw her win! That day she wasn't just a Queenslander, she was an Aussie, she represented all of us. And I would love to see somebody unite the country again the way she did. It was beautiful. Like a day without racism.
That "shy girl" has a reputation for being a pompous egomaniac and downright diva behind the scenes. Except when she commentated at the 2004 Olympics, of course: then she let *everyone* listening in Australia know that she was jealous of the woman who won the 400 metres that year, Tonique Williams-Darling--and TWD did it without looking like a giant green condom. No class, just makes it all about herself. Yet many Aussies are cherry pickers.
What an excellent report and coverage by a foreign network. US sports coverage has a reputation for being very US centric, but this belies that. Respect.
The absolute relief that comes over Cathy's face is something I'll never forget. Australia demanded something from her and she delivered in a way that made every single one of us and her indigenous ancestors proud.
I remember walking out of work, going over to the electronics store opposite and standing in a crowd watching this on the TV's in the window. Everyone went beserk when she won. I'll never forget it. It was the only event I watched.
Wow, I was in The Rocks area watching on a big screen with my then 4 year old on my shoulders. I was screaming all through the race, absolutely ecstatic with joy for Cathy. A night to remember. So very proud and still brings joyous tears seeing this 23 years later. A wonderful athlete and a great Australian ❤
What a bloody Champion that girl was (and still is) so much pressure to perform and she did it, I'll never forget that night, right up there with Kieran Perkins win in 1996 when he was 8th fastest qualifier. both fantastic achievements.
Look at pictures of your sporting hero now, tell me you still think she's a legend. That, and her commentary at the 2004 Olympics was bloody shameful. CF had no respect for Tonique Williams-Darling, just showed how jealous she was.
Gosh that was fantastic to watch and listen to 22 years later. When you hear two neutral observers call the race it really makes clear how big Cathy's achievement was. Legend.
I was driving home from work on that evening- around 7:30 PM or so. I will never forget how utterly deserted the streets of Sydney were... the major roads of the city (which would normally only just be winding down from gridlocked rush hour) had maybe two cars on them. The entire nation was glued to the television.
I was there that night and watched this on the big screen from one of the grassy areas. I had been there watching the tennis all day and was lucky enough to catch this on the way to my car. The atmosphere was like nothing else!
Amazing, I was there...not in the stadium but at the live screen viewing site just outside the stadium seen at 8:14. everyone seated on the grass, as she came around the bend into the last 100m, everyone rose up to the feet and screamed and cheered her on...phenomenal atmosphere! A fun fact, my brother in law was a reserve for the mens 4x100m, everyone got one of those suits that Cathy wore...only Cathy wore it though...he still has it, he puts it on for a laugh at parties!
Back in the 90s she used to absolutely crush any competition. In the Stawell Gift she used to start seconds after gun just for fun just catch up and bet everyone in every event.
So even back then, she was a bad sport. You just don't mock you opponents like that. See my comments elsewhere about her 2004 Olympics commentary. Utterly shameful to mock TWD like that. Just a piece of crap. The fact that she has blown up like a blimp serves her right. Fame is fleeting. To countless people today, she's just Fat Old Cathy.
I remember now. It was NBC's coverage of this race that made me understand the importance of Cathy Freeman to Australia and to the aboriginal people. And none better than Bob Costa's commentary to bring the significance home. Truly epic. "Our Cathy".
When clips of Cathy's victory are replayed, it's quite common to hear Bruce McAvaney's, "What a legend! What a champion!" But it's very uncommon to hear co-commentator Raelene Boyle follow that up with, "What a relief!"
I was at a local football league 'best and fairest' vote count on that night (MVP count for you Americans out there) and the count stopped and the big screen changed to the Olympics for Cathy's race, the whole crowd there went bonkers when she won.....it was just phenomenal! I'll never forget it.
Dam straight well done to the Americans on the commentary..love the old days..there was still humility and respect..they really brought the emotions the Australians were feeling to their American audience..🤘🇦🇺🤘
Not sure how I ended up here but that was truly amazing watch (feel) and this is coming from a South African who experienced the coming together of Nation in 1995
OMG!!! Still gives me chills to see this. I could see the immense pressure written all over her face prior to the race commencing. Her performance under such severe pressure was absolutely amazing #aboriginalpride #unifiedpride
One of the most personable and down to earth people I have spoken with. I used to see/speak with her frequently when she visited communities in CQ. Always humble, (if not somewhat embarrassed by her public infamy). I never once didn’t say G’day
Four years after taking the gold medal in Sydney, CF announced at the 2004 Olympics. When Tonique Williams-Darling won gold in the women's 400 metres, becoming the first Bahamian to win individual Olympic gold, all CF could say was that if she'd competed, TWD would've finished silver at best. That's not a humble person, that's a piece of classless trash. I've met quite a few people in my time, including folks from sports and showbiz. Let's just say that those "humble" people can be absolutely awful when they think nobody's listening.
Wow I really don't know how Kathy competed with so much expectations apon performance 😮😮😮😮 Called " Our Girl "😮 Well she did win in a beautiful dance with a beautiful flag of pride, recognition and triumph. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Warrior.
It was a chilli evening, I stood just outside of the stadium. I think there were more people walking around Olympic Boulevard. The roar was deafening all I felt was relief, relief for Kathy that was it
I have returned to this video dozens of times; and always will return to it. This was Cathy's shining moment. She gave everything, because she knew it's now or never. The only Aboriginal ever to enter these games and to loose here was simply not an option. This was her chance to slap the faces all those bigoted Aussies who took advantage of and exploited her nation. This race brought world wide attention to the plight of all Aboriginals in Australia. A very, very touching moment!
I was watching her light the flame in hospital with my newborn son. His eyes were transfixed on the screen. Defining moment in indigenous-white history.
The moment that would rival this for that Nation would be in that same stadium five years later in the Playoff v Uruguay and finally kicking the door down to the World Cup in Germany.
“Cathy Freeman by a BIG margin FOR Australia.” The great Tom Hammond on the mic. Few can elevate their voice to another notch in the exciting way that Tom Hammond can. Tom retired in 2018 after an almost 50 year career in sports broadcasting, mostly for NBC.
Respects to the American commentary team - this was truly wonderful.
NBC’s Olympic coverage has rightfully gotten plenty of criticism throughout the years, but Tom Hammond has always been class, especially when it comes to track and field.
Uncharacteristically restrained. Nice!
I agree. He is first class.
Yes. They were the true heroes.
A nation held it's breath for 49.11 seconds and watched the shy girl from Queensland become an Australian legend. Still gives me chills.
I was in Tasmania and I saw her win! That day she wasn't just a Queenslander, she was an Aussie, she represented all of us. And I would love to see somebody unite the country again the way she did. It was beautiful. Like a day without racism.
I didn't just watched it
That "shy girl" has a reputation for being a pompous egomaniac and downright diva behind the scenes. Except when she commentated at the 2004 Olympics, of course: then she let *everyone* listening in Australia know that she was jealous of the woman who won the 400 metres that year, Tonique Williams-Darling--and TWD did it without looking like a giant green condom.
No class, just makes it all about herself. Yet many Aussies are cherry pickers.
lmfao man up princess
As a Koori it makes me feel good her carrying the Aboriginal flag proudly.. Much love to her.
She’s a national treasure to us Aussies. And humble
Cathy makes every Australian proud and cry and think about our country too
Kiwis too bro!
I'm Australian, and I couldn't have cared less.
I'd rather care about my family and friends.
@@markv1274 You're obviously not a fan of the woman. Why are you even here? Go take your whining and infantile moaning elsewhere.
What an excellent report and coverage by a foreign network. US sports coverage has a reputation for being very US centric, but this belies that. Respect.
To this day I've never heard a crowd roar so loud. The audio at the end was great.
I have finally watched this. I live in Sydney I am from America now an Australian Citizen. I ride past her park. Bravo.
Such a special commentary from our friends and competition. An Australian legend. Still shed a tear 21 years on.
The absolute relief that comes over Cathy's face is something I'll never forget. Australia demanded something from her and she delivered in a way that made every single one of us and her indigenous ancestors proud.
makes me very proud to be queenslander and indigenous
I remember walking out of work, going over to the electronics store opposite and standing in a crowd watching this on the TV's in the window. Everyone went beserk when she won. I'll never forget it. It was the only event I watched.
Still gives me goosebumps hearing that crowd as an Australian.
Wow, I was in The Rocks area watching on a big screen with my then 4 year old on my shoulders. I was screaming all through the race, absolutely ecstatic with joy for Cathy. A night to remember. So very proud and still brings joyous tears seeing this 23 years later. A wonderful athlete and a great Australian ❤
I’d love to hear what Kathy’s view is on The Voice?
What a bloody Champion that girl was (and still is) so much pressure to perform and she did it, I'll never forget that night, right up there with Kieran Perkins win in 1996 when he was 8th fastest qualifier. both fantastic achievements.
Look at pictures of your sporting hero now, tell me you still think she's a legend.
That, and her commentary at the 2004 Olympics was bloody shameful. CF had no respect for Tonique Williams-Darling, just showed how jealous she was.
Gosh that was fantastic to watch and listen to 22 years later. When you hear two neutral observers call the race it really makes clear how big Cathy's achievement was. Legend.
I was driving home from work on that evening- around 7:30 PM or so. I will never forget how utterly deserted the streets of Sydney were... the major roads of the city (which would normally only just be winding down from gridlocked rush hour) had maybe two cars on them. The entire nation was glued to the television.
I was there that night and watched this on the big screen from one of the grassy areas. I had been there watching the tennis all day and was lucky enough to catch this on the way to my car. The atmosphere was like nothing else!
2023
I'm Crying
God Bless you Sis
Amazing, I was there...not in the stadium but at the live screen viewing site just outside the stadium seen at 8:14. everyone seated on the grass, as she came around the bend into the last 100m, everyone rose up to the feet and screamed and cheered her on...phenomenal atmosphere!
A fun fact, my brother in law was a reserve for the mens 4x100m, everyone got one of those suits that Cathy wore...only Cathy wore it though...he still has it, he puts it on for a laugh at parties!
She looked so Beautiful and MAGNIFICENT.
So great to hear some American commentators who get it - who understand there is a world outside of the USA.
Back in the 90s she used to absolutely crush any competition. In the Stawell Gift she used to start seconds after gun just for fun just catch up and bet everyone in every event.
So even back then, she was a bad sport.
You just don't mock you opponents like that.
See my comments elsewhere about her 2004 Olympics commentary. Utterly shameful to mock TWD like that.
Just a piece of crap. The fact that she has blown up like a blimp serves her right.
Fame is fleeting. To countless people today, she's just Fat Old Cathy.
I remember now. It was NBC's coverage of this race that made me understand the importance of Cathy Freeman to Australia and to the aboriginal people. And none better than Bob Costa's commentary to bring the significance home. Truly epic. "Our Cathy".
When clips of Cathy's victory are replayed, it's quite common to hear Bruce McAvaney's, "What a legend! What a champion!" But it's very uncommon to hear co-commentator Raelene Boyle follow that up with, "What a relief!"
NBC’s Tom Hammond did a wonderful job calling this race. I’m an American, but this is one of my favorite Olympic moments.
I was at a local football league 'best and fairest' vote count on that night (MVP count for you Americans out there) and the count stopped and the big screen changed to the Olympics for Cathy's race, the whole crowd there went bonkers when she won.....it was just phenomenal! I'll never forget it.
Gee,that is so stirring to watch in 2023 ❤
Something Australia is seriously lacking nowadays.
Iconic night. Still makes me a bit teary. Cathy's genuine and understated emotion was particularly moving.
What a fluid style, those last few meters were simply stunning!
One of Australia’s greatest athletes and the best ambassador for sport and Australia
Dam straight well done to the Americans on the commentary..love the old days..there was still humility and respect..they really brought the emotions the Australians were feeling to their American audience..🤘🇦🇺🤘
Sitting in the stand at the end near the first turn. Roared myself hoarse. What a champion! What a run! And what a relief!
Not sure how I ended up here but that was truly amazing watch (feel) and this is coming from a South African who experienced the coming together of Nation in 1995
Absolutely brilliant - thanks for posting this Rhett. Greatest single moment in Australian sporting history.
What about Steven Bradbury?
czcams.com/video/fAADWfJO2qM/video.html
OMG!!! Still gives me chills to see this. I could see the immense pressure written all over her face prior to the race commencing. Her performance under such severe pressure was absolutely amazing #aboriginalpride #unifiedpride
One of the most personable and down to earth people I have spoken with.
I used to see/speak with her frequently when she visited communities in CQ.
Always humble, (if not somewhat embarrassed by her public infamy). I never once didn’t say G’day
Four years after taking the gold medal in Sydney, CF announced at the 2004 Olympics. When Tonique Williams-Darling won gold in the women's 400 metres, becoming the first Bahamian to win individual Olympic gold, all CF could say was that if she'd competed, TWD would've finished silver at best.
That's not a humble person, that's a piece of classless trash.
I've met quite a few people in my time, including folks from sports and showbiz. Let's just say that those "humble" people can be absolutely awful when they think nobody's listening.
Absolute champion . And so humble and genuine. Total Aussie.
Wow still brings tears to my eyes!
How good is Bob Costas? I'm an Aussie and I love that bloke's work.
Wow I really don't know how Kathy competed with so much expectations apon performance 😮😮😮😮
Called " Our Girl "😮
Well she did win in a beautiful dance with a beautiful flag of pride, recognition and triumph. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Warrior.
Proud Aussie here. I was 22 when she ran this, we definitely love Cathy freeman
I was 22 back then, and I honestly did not care.
@markv1274 you're commenting an awful lot for someone who 'didn't care' 😆
I was very young but could hear my athletics crazy dad talk in anticipation of Cathy Freeman race at Sydney Olympics.
Hands down, my ALLTIME FAVORITE Olympic race ever!!
Australia was at its peak here. The world was our oyster at this exact moment. Then it was all downhill from this moment :(
only two races have made me cry, El Guerrouj in Athens and Cathy Freeman in the Motherland 😌
I was there in the stadium, so glad for as she crossed the line first. Such relief for Cathy and much of the audience.
The pressure and expectation of a whole nation and Cathy knocks it out of the park! 🥰
Thunder and lightning ... the incredible roar of the crowd and all the camera flashes. What a fantastic run!
23years ago..... The greatest day of the entire year.
Still never heard a Aussie crowd roar like that
That was brilliant! The only comparison I think would've been Oz vs Uruguay in the 2005 WC qualifier - that crowd was friggin' loud!!
This was a great race. I watched it live! Her running suit was perfect for the time.
Greatest moment for Cathy. 🥇
Greatest Olympics.
Greatest Australia.
🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
I never get tired of watching this. ❤
It was a chilli evening, I stood just outside of the stadium. I think there were more people walking around Olympic Boulevard. The roar was deafening all I felt was relief,
relief for Kathy that was it
4:26 "and Cathy Freeman has work to do BUT SHE'S UP FOR THE CHALLENGE!" ❤
Mate, thanks for this. I never knew America took so much attention.
WOW! Kathy your a star!
Simply the greatest moment in Australian sport. What a legend 🇦🇺🇦🇺❤️🖤
Thanks for uploading this, great to hear the commentary from a different perspective.
Cathy lifting, goes up to Graham, takes the lead, looks a winner!!!!
The interview at the end is so sweet ❤️ I’m glad this appeared in my recommendations.
i miss those days before social media
I’ve never seen the footage from after the race, this was so amazing to see! ✨💕
Greatest moment in Australian sport for so many reasons.
Goosebumps to this day. Go Cathy.
Classic Victory. Brings a tear to my eyes😍
I still get so excited watching her finest moment in History! 😢😢😂😂❤❤❤
What a great moment 💙💙
still get chills watching her do this
Best,still gives me goosebumps
I was in downtown Sydney for that!!! Amazing moment for Oz 🇦🇺 🔥
I have returned to this video dozens of times; and always will return to it. This was Cathy's shining moment.
She gave everything, because she knew it's now or never. The only Aboriginal ever to enter these games and to loose here was simply not an option.
This was her chance to slap the faces all those bigoted Aussies who took advantage of and exploited her nation. This race brought world wide attention to the plight of all Aboriginals in Australia.
A very, very touching moment!
This still brings tears.
I was watching her light the flame in hospital with my newborn son. His eyes were transfixed on the screen. Defining moment in indigenous-white history.
Beautiful Cathy❤❤
we all remember the Ch 7 and ABC radio versions but what about this version FORGOTTEN
I’m welling up just watching this
The moment that would rival this for that Nation would be in that same stadium five years later in the Playoff v Uruguay and finally kicking the door down to the World Cup in Germany.
umm no... not even close
@@screeech44 I would say it’s on that level
Lo veo y me sigue emocionado,,
03:33 this guy is straight poetry
The irony of Americans deifying the triumph of a foreign indigenous native while they continue to abandon their own.
Yeah, but they are well trained in hypocrisy.
Yes. Irony. But still. It was incredibly great coverage for a pinnacle moment in our indigenous irony.
Both coverages said Cathy has work to do.
I was thinking exactly the same thing!
Always goosebumps.
Excellent commentary.
“Cathy Freeman by a BIG margin FOR Australia.”
The great Tom Hammond on the mic. Few can elevate their voice to another notch in the exciting way that Tom Hammond can. Tom retired in 2018 after an almost 50 year career in sports broadcasting, mostly for NBC.
Cathy our Golden Girl. Indigenous and proud we embrace you.
Man...wish I could run that fast 😂🎉
❤️🖤💛CATHY💛🖤❤️
Cathy a legend and even better in person
She made it look easy!
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much pressure. and she won.
She has a beautiful laugh
This commentary is better than the Aussie version
lol no its not no where near it, its rubbish
@@generalgrievous3550 i thought they were more excited
@@generalgrievous3550 its great... not rubbish at all.
@@generalgrievous3550 Forgive them General, they know not of our 'delicious Bruce'. " Cathy, Set, Away "
@@andrewj44 compared to bruce on channel 7 australia, its rubbish
Cathy Freeman is great Australian atlette
So much pressure on that poor girl
Wonderfall call by the race-callers. Both captured the drama and excitement throughout the race.
She actually had her suit on inside out for the opening ceremony. It was later stolen and recovered years later.
Legend!
What an amazing moment