Australia’s golden girl Cathy Freeman has been unveiled as the sixth Gold Coast Commonwealth Games ambassador.

The Premier says it’s an incredible coup.

Tamika Seeto reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Cathy Freeman was greeted with cheers and applause by students eager to follow in the Olympic great’s footsteps.

Born and raised in Queensland, Cathy is excited to be part of selling the Gold Coast to the world.

Cathy Freeman, Olympic Gold Medalist: “So a few years out of trying to run away from being this icon person, I’m now feeling ok about it all and I’m happy to sort of play a role in Gold Coast 2018.”

She became the first Australian Aboriginal woman to win gold, in the 400 metre sprint at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Peter Beattie, Commonwealth Games Chairman: “Everyone in Australia and most people in the world know Cathy Freeman. She is an icon and she captured the hearts and minds of all Australians.”

The four-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist has largely kept out of the public eye and off the track, since retiring in 2003.

Annastacia Palaszczuk, Queensland Premier: “It’s a great coup for Queensland but it’s so important for the Commonwealth Games.”

She joins Cameron McEvoy, Sally Pearson, Anna Meares, Laura Geitz and Kurt Fearney as a Games ambassador.

With the Games clock ticking, people wanting to get in on the action are being urged to get their tickets in now before the ballot closes on Monday.

And Cathy could be eyeing off another sport.

Tamika Seeto, QUT News.