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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!"
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
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.
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
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..🤘🇦🇺🤘
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 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.
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!
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.
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
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
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.
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.
To this day I've never heard a crowd roar so loud. The audio at the end was great.
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?
Such a special commentary from our friends and competition. An Australian legend. Still shed a tear 21 years on.
Still gives me goosebumps hearing that crowd as an Australian.
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.
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.
I have finally watched this. I live in Sydney I am from America now an Australian Citizen. I ride past her park. Bravo.
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.
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!
Iconic night. Still makes me a bit teary. Cathy's genuine and understated emotion was particularly moving.
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!
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.
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".
Sitting in the stand at the end near the first turn. Roared myself hoarse. What a champion! What a run! And what a relief!
2023
I'm Crying
God Bless you Sis
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!"
makes me very proud to be queenslander and indigenous
What a fluid style, those last few meters were simply stunning!
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
So great to hear some American commentators who get it - who understand there is a world outside of the USA.
Gee,that is so stirring to watch in 2023 ❤
Something Australia is seriously lacking nowadays.
Absolutely brilliant - thanks for posting this Rhett. Greatest single moment in Australian sporting history.
What about Steven Bradbury?
czcams.com/video/fAADWfJO2qM/video.html
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.
She looked so Beautiful and MAGNIFICENT.
Hands down, my ALLTIME FAVORITE Olympic race ever!!
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
Thunder and lightning ... the incredible roar of the crowd and all the camera flashes. What a fantastic run!
Wow still brings tears to my eyes!
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..🤘🇦🇺🤘
I was there in the stadium, so glad for as she crossed the line first. Such relief for Cathy and much of the audience.
One of Australia’s greatest athletes and the best ambassador for sport and Australia
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' 😆
This was a great race. I watched it live! Her running suit was perfect for the time.
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.
I never get tired of watching this. ❤
I was very young but could hear my athletics crazy dad talk in anticipation of Cathy Freeman race at Sydney Olympics.
Absolute champion . And so humble and genuine. Total Aussie.
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.
23years ago..... The greatest day of the entire year.
only two races have made me cry, El Guerrouj in Athens and Cathy Freeman in the Motherland 😌
The pressure and expectation of a whole nation and Cathy knocks it out of the park! 🥰
Thanks for uploading this, great to hear the commentary from a different perspective.
NBC’s Tom Hammond did a wonderful job calling this race. I’m an American, but this is one of my favorite Olympic moments.
4:26 "and Cathy Freeman has work to do BUT SHE'S UP FOR THE CHALLENGE!" ❤
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!!
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
Mate, thanks for this. I never knew America took so much attention.
Australia was at its peak here. The world was our oyster at this exact moment. Then it was all downhill from this moment :(
Greatest moment for Cathy. 🥇
Greatest Olympics.
Greatest Australia.
🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Simply the greatest moment in Australian sport. What a legend 🇦🇺🇦🇺❤️🖤
The interview at the end is so sweet ❤️ I’m glad this appeared in my recommendations.
WOW! Kathy your a star!
I’ve never seen the footage from after the race, this was so amazing to see! ✨💕
How good is Bob Costas? I'm an Aussie and I love that bloke's work.
Cathy lifting, goes up to Graham, takes the lead, looks a winner!!!!
Goosebumps to this day. Go Cathy.
i miss those days before social media
What a great moment 💙💙
Greatest moment in Australian sport for so many reasons.
still get chills watching her do this
This still brings tears.
I still get so excited watching her finest moment in History! 😢😢😂😂❤❤❤
Best,still gives me goosebumps
I was in downtown Sydney for that!!! Amazing moment for Oz 🇦🇺 🔥
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.
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!
Classic Victory. Brings a tear to my eyes😍
we all remember the Ch 7 and ABC radio versions but what about this version FORGOTTEN
Lo veo y me sigue emocionado,,
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
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.
Beautiful Cathy❤❤
I’m welling up just watching this
Always goosebumps.
03:33 this guy is straight poetry
“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💛🖤❤️
Both coverages said Cathy has work to do.
I was thinking exactly the same thing!
Cathy a legend and even better in person
Legend!
Excellent commentary.
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much pressure. and she won.
Man...wish I could run that fast 😂🎉
She made it look easy!
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.
What an amazing moment
So much pressure on that poor girl
Cathy Freeman is great Australian atlette
She has a beautiful laugh
oh man what a memory
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