Is Freeman the star of Sydney 2000?

Is Australian darling Cathy Freeman the star of the Olympics after her emotional victory in the 400m?

Cathy Freeman brought a packed Stadium Australia to its feet with a rousing run the whole nation had been waiting for.

After lighting the Olympic flame to start the Games, Freeman became the first Aboriginal to win a gold medal in athletics - a moment of great symbolism for the "new Australia".

But will that be the defining moment of the 2000 Games? Is that the image that will spring to mind whenever Sydney is mentioned down the years?

How does it compare with the pool heroics of Ian Thorpe? Or Steve Redgrave's fifth gold for rowing? Or the farewell show from 400m star Michael Johnson?

Tell us what you think.

Is Cathy Freeman the star of the Olympics?

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Is it possible that we are all getting a little carried away with Cathy Freeman's success? Is it not possible that real reason that Australia love her so much is because she was the only Aussie with even a hope of a gold medal in track and field? It would have been disastrous, and probably unique, for the host nation not to win at least one gold.
Stuart Robertson, UK

No, it has got to be Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent: their sheer professionalism, hardwork and strength of character gives them first prize in my view.
Sandra Blakey, UK

She ran a race lasting only a few seconds

  Maria Costa, England

Whilst I applaud Cathy Freeman's gold medal and what she appears to be doing for Australia and the Aboriginal peoples in particular, lets not get carried away.After all. she ran a race lasting only a few seconds - and that without the threat of Perec. Denise Lewis and the other Heptathletes had to go through two days and various disciplines to achieve their goal.
Maria Costa, England

I think everyone involved in this Olympics one way or the other should be regarded as a star.The citizens of Australia have been very accommodating; every single athlete that has participated in the Olympics shoud also be regarded as a star, after all, its been a long journey for many athletes. For those who have done exceedingly well and won medals more grease to their elbow.
Funmi Lucas, Britain

Cathy's victory is an inspiration for the disadantaged people in all communities, particularly here in South Afria. She lifts our spirits to greater heights.
Alex Bhiman, South Afria

The star of the games are the British Athletes

  Steve Gibbs, UK

The star of the games are the British Athletes - none of us predicted so many Golds.
Steve Gibbs, UK

Cathy Freeman will be long in the memory of the 2000 Olympics, it seemed the world wanted her to win, which she did. It brought tears to eyes when she crossed that line in first place, even now the body tingles to see the replay. She has won the people's heart, hero of the Games, a sure peoples choice. Well done Cathy.
Derrick Davidson, UK

There are too many stars to single out one person, although Cathy Freeman is definately in the top bunch. However, what about the President himself, whose wife died of cancer during the event; the blind American girl; the deaf GB rower and that very brave girl who continued to race, despite her boyfriend being killed in a road accident in Sydney just a couple of days before her heats?
Graham Tattersall, UK

It depends on one's criterion. To me, the "star" of the 2000 games is the one who best epitomises the Olympic spirit. I nominate Eric Moussambini for sheer courage and sportsmanship. Steve Redgrave for the most golds in the most consecutive games. Michael Johnson for athletic perfection, and Cathy Freeman for uniting her country and her enduring humility.
Eugene, USA

Without a doubt the star(s) of these games have been the Australian public who have turned up in their thousands to every event.

  Stuart, UK

Of course Australia loves Cathy Freeman. The 'white' Australians love her because it helps them ignore the plight of aborigines. The aborigines love her because they want their people to show they can succeed. Winning a gold medal won't make it any easier for aborigines to get more support from the Australian Government or help them win land rights cases. It is a fake image of multicultural harmony that is smokescreening a very serious issue regarding human rights and treating indigenous people fairly.
Neil Jones, UK

Without a doubt the star(s) of these games have been the Australian public who have turned up in their thousands to every event. To fill an Olympic stadium with 100,000 people at 8am to watch qualifying heats, deserves a gold medal of its own. The sheer enthusiasm of the Aussies for these games has been a joy to see
Stuart, UK

Sometimes, just sometimes, sport becomes something more important than just who wins. It was like that when South Africa won the rugby world cup, and like that too when Cathy Freeman won. Because of that and because of her talent and dignity she must be the symbol of these games.
Edward, UK

Some people would consider the number of gold, or how high and how fast they can go to be the star. But the olympics spirit is not just that. It include the whole idea of unity, peace and freedom. Cathy Freeman might only win one medal in a mediocre as some might suggest. But to me that is not important. The important thing is the spirit of the Olympics she portrays. Not just for her or Australia but to those countries who are still in the dark searching for peace, unity and freedom.
Nora Shah, Malaysia

The overwhelming adulation that has surrounded Cathy Freeman at this Olympics goes far beyond simple admiration for a top athlete

  Steve, UK

The overwhelming adulation that has surrounded Cathy Freeman at this Olympics goes far beyond simple admiration for a top athlete or affection for a genuinely pleasant, down-to-earth girl. By showing such visible support, non-native Australians seem to be trying to turn over a new leaf in their history. They are trying to absolve themselves of the guilt of years of persecution of aboriginal Australians. She's the darling of the Aussies in an Aussie Olympics, to everyone else she is just another gold medal winner.
Steve, UK

In terms of sheer symbolism, there is no equal - Cathy Freeman is the face of the Games. As a sports writer always looking for stories beyond mere medals and records (however amazing), I give her my vote. But UK's Steve Redgrave too is right up there among our most enduring Legends of the Flame.
C.J.Chua, Singapore

There is no doubt that the Australian media, games organising committee and Aussie public in general have deservedly made Cathy Freeman their star of the Olympics for her achievements both on the track and as a standard bearer for the Aboriginee people. She epitomises the spirit of the Games and the Olympic movement. Having said that, each and every competitor who has raised the spirits of the world, their country or just their local club or community, by performing well on the Olympic stage, is a star - even if their performance doesn't merit a medal. They have all given so much of themselves to make the Olympics the greatest show on Earth and it is unfair to single out one competitor.
Gary, UK

Hats off to Ms.Freeman. However, her performance comes nowhere near to the boy Redgrave. Let's see if she can maintain her title in 2012.
Vince Snetterton-Lewis, England

Great acheivement for her, but not the only star of the Games

  Dom, UK

I'm sure every country has it's stars, but for Australians Cathy is the star of the Games. Her success and popularity goes far beyond her sporting prowess; and we love and respect her for it.
Sue, Australia

Could Kathy Freeman look any less pleased to win the Olympic gold on her home track, in her home country and in front of her home fans? The star of the Brits is, without doubt, still Steven Redgrave.
Chris Terris, Scotland

Great acheivement for her, but not the only star of the Games. It is obvious that her victory is a massive boost for the Aboriginal people. She deserves her moment in history. But the likes of Ian Thorpe, Steve Redgrave, Marion Jones and Michael Johnson are just as much the stars of these Games.
Dom, UK

There can be no question that Redgrave is the star because of the enormity of what he has achieved. Superhuman. Cathy Freeman is the star on personality, a light has shone on the Games. Today, however, Sydney men were only talking about Tatiana Gordieva from the polevault competition. So stardom means different things to different people!
Bob Gardiner, Yorkshire, England

There are of course many stars in Sydney Olympics, but none shines as bright as Cathy in Australia, the symbolic unification of Australia's aboriginal and white heritage. Her natural grace and her sheer determination and sportsmanship represents the quintessal Australian quality.
Wallace Lee, Australia

Anyone who brings together people like Cathy has done deserves our admiration

  Kate Ollier, Switzerland

I think people are missing the point. Cathy's achievements are not so much about her athletic performance or winning gold, it's about what she represents. She is an Aboriginal woman who has single-handedly united this country. Her triumph may not be as amazing as other athletes in a sporting sense, but her triumph in uniting a country and heralding a new beginning between its many peoples is certainly worthy of being known as the defining moment of the Sydney games.
Brad, Australia

Opinions may differ on whether or not Cathy Freeman is "the star" of the Games. Yet she will always be the symbol that sticks in everybody's mind. The pictures of her standing under the waterfall after lighting the Olympic flame are truly beautiful and her grace and beauty shines out, as it does on the track. Anyone who brings together people like Cathy has done deserves our admiration and Cathy has done in a week what politicians wrangle over for years.
Kate Ollier, Switzerland

Cathy Freeman is indeed the star of this year's Olympics. The magnitude of her victory is unequalled. She is a true patriot and an inspiration to her people.
Jemy Joseph, Canada

You can't overlook what she has done for her country and people by winning a gold medal on the biggest stage on earth

  Hubert Telesford, UK

Cathy Freeman may be the star of the olympics for who she is and what she represents, not for just winning the race or for athletic achievement. Steve Redgrave and Denise Lewis deserve that accolade far more.
Neil Gwillim, Wales

As a British person who has lived in the USA for 13 years, I can't answer your question because our TV station hasn't shown Cathy win her gold medal yet. The television coverage here is over-packaged, tape-delayed and almost exclusively about American athletes. If it weren't for the internet, I would have no idea how the British athletes are doing. Maybe I blinked and missed Denise Lewis last night, but I don't think they covered her event at all. Steve Redgrave was lucky to get ten minutes the night before. It's at times like this that I wish I was back home.
Jenny, USA

She is definitely one of the stars of the games, naming her "the star" is stretching it a bit. But you can't overlook what she has done for her country and people by winning a gold medal on the biggest stage on earth. She is truly a hero and a star and I have the utmost respect for her.
Hubert Telesford, UK

In my opinion the stars of the 2000 Olympics are the organisers who have produced a wonderful spectacle

  Bruce Hutchison, England

Cathy Freemans humility was awesome and her part in the opening ceremony was inspiring. Also, anyone who can talk to Brendan Foster on the TV and say " I am normal..I get annoyed when there's no paper in the loo" is okay by me.
Jacqui, England

In my opinion the stars of the 2000 Olympics are the organisers who have produced a wonderful spectacle without a sign of commercial advertising within the arena, unlike that shoddy travesty of an event which occurred in Atlanta four years ago.
Bruce Hutchison, England

The magnitude of her victory cannot be understated. It is more than just sporting achievement. Cathy did not just run for herself. She ran for her people and did them, and Australia, proud. Even though there were two Brits in the race, who I cheered..my loudest cheer was for Cathy Freeman.
Paul Keenan, UK

I suspect Freeman will only be the star of the games to the Australians. Given that Samaranch himself has commented on how historic Redgrave's fifth gold was, I feel that more than just the Brits will view him as the star. Anyway, Freeman lighting the flame was far more memorable than Freeman winning her gold.
Mike Fay, UK

I don't think Cathy Freeman is the star of the 2000 Olympic.This is because she did not compete with the defending champion Marie Jose Perec. For me, Michael Johnson is the star of the Olympics 2000.
Peter Isewede, England

The amazing spectators who jam almost every competition arena are making these the best games ever

  Kassa B, Eritrea

There is not doubt that for the Australian public this was a significant sporting achievement, one which has had a significant impact in cultural and political terms. As a race it was nothing special, but should it be judged in those terms alone? I think not. The Olympics has never just been about running faster, jumping higher, etc, it is about nations coming together. We all have our favourite moments. Mine was the Coxless Fours.
Ed Barker, UK

Who is the brightest star of this games? No contest - the amazing spectators who jam almost every competition arena are making these the best games ever.
Kassa B, Eritrea

To win 5 consecutive gold medals in the Olympics and remain as modest and unassuming as Steve Redgrave, that to me is a true Olympian and he epitmosises the spirt of the Games. Cathy Freeman, however, symbolises the new Australia and its determination to unite all its people as one nation.
Diana Anderson, United Kingdom

the real stars of the olympics are those from the swimming pool. The world record breaking achievements of these fantastic athletes have been nothing other than sensational

  Will Carr, England

Those who insist that Cathy Freeman could not possibly be the star of the Games based on her performance have missed the point. Tonight I was at Stadium Australia and watched Michael Johnson and Haile Gebrselassie, two legends of track and field. Cathy, however, united a nation not only with her speed but with her grace and dignity. And it wouldn't matter if the Olympics weren't in Australia because all of Australia would have been watching wherever it was.
Scott, Australia

It has got to be Ian Thorpe - the guy is a total star and hopefully has a great future ahead of him. He has proved himself both a team player and strong individual.
Charl, UK

Cathy Freeman's achievements deserve all the attention that they are receiving, but I feel that the real stars of the olympics are those from the swimming pool. The world record breaking achievements of these fantastic athletes have been nothing other than sensational, leaving many armchair fans such as myself in complete awe.
Will Carr, England

While winning the gold was a tremendous achievement, I don't believe she is the star of the games. Her main rival, Perec of France had already withdrawn from the competition leaving a weakened field. The main star must be "Eric the Eel" for his exploits in the pool, showing everybody how much it means to be able to compete in the olympics, whatever your level of skill.
Paul Adamson, England

If Marion Jones even achieves four out of five golds it will a be much more significant and memorable achievement

  Trevor Wilson, Great Britain

Obviously the fact that Ms. Freeman only won a single gold medal at the Games would not by itself qulaify her as the star of the Olympics, given the performances of Redgrave, Thorpe and multiple medalists. But more than any other athlete, Ms. Freeman has captured the true spirit of the Games, where character and talent have overcome adversity and hostility.
Saeed, USA

She has a beautiful natural style of running that is so smooth and relaxed. Her star quality showed through the way she performed under such terrible weight of expectation. She's our star of Sydney 2000, hands down.
David Thatcher, Australia

Whilst I think Cathy's achievement is great I do not think it will be the defining memory of these games. It is difficult to say just yet with so many events yet to go but I think if Marion Jones even achieves four out of five golds it will a be much more significant and memorable achievement.
Trevor Wilson, Great Britain

With the amount of pressure Cathy Freeman has been put under, winning gold is a remarkable acheivement. But let's not forget Redgrave, Nemov, Zelezny, de Bruijn, Thorpe, et al. All performing fantastically but not getting the same "darling" media treatment perhaps.
Findarato, UK

I think the star of the games is Eric the Eel - he has shown real courage in completing what must have been a painful and tiring swim

  Kate, UK

She is the star thus far along with Steve Redgrave but if Marion Jones wins at least three golds, she'll be the star.If she wins five, there is no comparison to be made.
Kelvin Lawrence, Malaysia

As an Australian watching from a distance it is heartening to see Cathy's achievements - for herself, her country and her people. Cathy is one of many indigenous and white Australians who are reshaping the nations understanding of its past, present and future. With ambassadors like these I look forward to seeing the result.
Brendon Moran, UK

Cathy has been a rallying point for all Australians. Her grace and strength have proved awesome. These Olympics will have many memorable moments - the united Korea's, the East Timorese, the spectacular opening ceremony and perhaps even the overwhelming fact that these are probably the best games ever staged. Nevertheless, Cathy's brilliance will certainly be up there.
Michael, Sydney, Australia

Twenty years from now people from different nations will still have different memories - that is surely one of the best things about the olympics

  Mark, UK

I think the star of the games is Eric the Eel. He has shown real courage in completing what must have been a painful and tiring swim in front of 17,000 people. For him, the honour of competing for his country was enough, and that is what the Olympics is all about. He is a true star.
Kate, UK

Cathy Freeman is an icon of what these Olympics mean for most Australians. Sporting achievements aside, she is truly a symbol of what the whole of Australia hopes to become one day.
Jane Howes, UK

Not wishing to be too patriotic, but I feel the real star of the Games has to be Steve Redgrave. Not only has he acheived the first ever five olympic golds in consecutive games, but has triuphmed this time despite suffering from diabetes - this should be a real inspiration to us all.
Phil Martin, GB

I think that the defining moment of these olypics will vary depending alomost entirely on the country you are from. For me it will be Redgrave's truly magnificant achievment. For the Aussies it will be Freeman, for the USA it will be their sprinters, and so on. Twenty years from now people from different nations will still have different memories. That is surely one of the best things about the olympics.
Mark, UK

Cathy Freeman is certainly not the star. She is one of many stars taking part. It is the Games itself that is the star. There are many others whose sporting achievements are greater. She is perhaps Australia's great hope of Track and Field success for the future. The lasting image of the games will be unique to everyone - to me it is Steve Redgrave's 5th medal and more than that his comment that "it's just another day".
Chris Humphris, UK

Would there have been all this hype about her if the games hadn't been held in Australia? I don't think so

  Sarah, England

Steve Redgrave's achievement of five gold medals has got to be one of the greatest moments of Sydney's Olympic Games. To win one medal is quite a feat but to win 5, what more can I say - I am proud to be British.
Janet Thomas, Wales, UK

I don't think Cathy Freeman is the star of the show. She hasn't been anymore spectacular than any other Gold Medalist at the games. When she wins another Gold Medal and breaks World Records she will be known as one of the greats. Would there have been all this hype about her if the games hadn't been held in Australia? I don't think so!
Sarah, England

The different ways in which Cathy Freeman and Perec dealt with the pressure on them marks Freeman out as a true champion, but she is just one of the stars of these games. Ian Thorpe, Pieter van den Hoogenbrand and Inge de Bruijn were sensational in the pool. Marion Jones may make history in her five gold ring attempt, and Michael Johnson is a star wherever he goes. Steve Redgrave has produced an unparalelled fifth gold in one of the toughest sports going. These games have been fantastic and have restored some lustre to the Olympic movement - and all those who have competed fairly and given of their best can rightly be considered stars.
Ben, UK

In terms of its symbolism, Cathy Freeman's win will ignite the longest lasting memory of the millenium games

  Robert, Asia

Whilst we should applaud Cathy's success, we must not be sentimental about it. There are many other competitors, some of whom have not won medals, who deserve to be stars and should be recognised as such.
Christiana, England

Cathy Freeman is a true inspiration to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australia. She represents triumph over adversity and the stunning resiliance of her people. As an Australian I feel proud of her achievements on the track and of her leadership off the track.
Dylan Borg, Australia

What Cathy Freeman has achieved is remarkable, however, I wouldn't say it was the defining moment of the games. To me what is more remarkable are the competitors in all sports who have come to these games to defend their Olympic Gold and have succeeded - to win one medal is in itself an amazing but to win 2 or more in succesive years is formidable and these athletes need to be recognised for this awe-inspiring achievement.
Karen , UK

she made me feel proud because of what she symbolizes for Aboriginal and marginalized people the world over

  Oloo, Canada

How can she be the star when she beat a very mediocre 400m field? Without Perec, it was always easier and that whole scenario is decidedly suspicious. The real stars have been the swimmers especially Ian Thorpe, Micheal Klim and Pieter Van Den Hoogenband, who have broken world records and competed in thrilling races. Steve Redgrave also deserves a special mention for his amazing achievements. I admire Cathy Freeman a great deal and understand she is the golden girl of Sydney but what she has achieved in the games is nothing compared to those I have mentioned.
Pete Mumford, United Kingdom

In terms of its symbolism, Cathy Freeman's win will ignite the longest lasting memory of the millenium games but we must never forget Steve Redgrave's unbelievable feat in producing peak performances over such a long period. Nor should we forget Michael Johnson's supreme mastery of what has become the ultimate race of the track - the 400m.
Robert, Asia

Winning a gold does make you a star, but she is not the star of the Games

  Darren Jacques, UK

No, absolutely not. Above her you must put both Redgrave and Pinsett, Jan Selezny, Michael Johnson, Marion Jones, Ian Thorpe and Denise Lewis. She is a good athelete but does not yet rank amongst the great atheletes listed above.
Mike Hurst, UK

Tears welled up in a forty-year-old's eyes as I watched Cathy's Freeman's superb triumph in Sydney in the wee hours of the morning here in southern Ontario. As an African she made me feel proud because of what she symbolizes for Aboriginal and marginalized people the world over. I was also quite struck by her quiet intellgence and her genuine warmth that is obvious everytime she opens her mouth.
Oloo, Toronto, Canada

In one arena where all men are equal, Cathy Freeman showed us the true brilliance of mankind.
Drew James Woods, UK

Winning a gold does make you a star, but she is not the star of the Games. Many people win a single gold at a games. The real star of the Games is Steve Redgrave - what he has done will never be equalled.
Darren Jacques, UK