- Olympics legend to make foray into new territory
- Split from husband of 15 years in August last year
Olympic icon Cathy Freeman has revealed she is starring in a music video with an Aussie rapper in an experience she said has brought her ‘deep cultural pride’.
The 52-year-old took to Instagram to tell her followers she’ll be appearing in the clip with Nooky, an Indigenous hip-hop star who hails from the NSW south coast and launched the Blak Out music program on Triple J radio in 2021.
‘So proud to be part of @nookymusic new video,’ Freeman wrote.
‘This behind-the-scenes photo brings back all the feelings – laughter, respect, and a deep cultural pride.
‘Thank you, Nooky for having me. You’re a force for our people.’
Nooky returned the compliment by replying: ‘Thanks so much for giving us your time and coming down. The kids are still buzzing as are the rest of us. Can’t wait to drop this one.’
Cathy Freeman is pictured on the set of an upcoming music video for Aussie rapper Nooky
The Olympic icon said starring in the clip made her feel ‘laughter, respect, and deep cultural pride’ in an announcement on social media
The appearance will be a venture into new territory for Freeman, who hasn’t appeared in a music video before – although controversial rapper Ay Hutcho released a tune called ‘Cathy Freeman’ last year.
Nooky – who bills himself as the ‘future Mayor of Nowra’ – launched Blak Out to showcase Indigenous music and artists and was also a delegate for First Nations people at the United Nations in April last year.
He’s known for songs like Run Dingo, Always Was Always Will Be, Change The Date and Savage Mob.
Freeman’s starring role comes after a very turbulent period in her private life.
The Sydney 2000 gold medalist split from her husband of 15 years, James Murch, in August last year.
They released a joint statement announcing that they were parting ways and will continue co-parenting their daughter Ruby.
‘After 15 years of marriage we have unfortunately separated. We continue co-parenting and this is our greatest priority,’ the statement read.
‘We continue sharing a professional and working partnership through Estrella Sports Management.
Indigenous hip-hop star Nooky (pictured) said filming with Freeman left him ‘buzzing’
The Sydney 2000 gold medalist (pictured) described Nooky as ‘a force for our people’
‘Given this is a personal matter we would greatly appreciate you respecting our privacy and we won’t be making any further comment.’
Freeman was spotted holding hands with a mystery man in Sydney back in April as they attended the Nike After Dark sporting event.
Cathy happily chatted with her new man while she was a guest of honour at the event, which hosts night foot races for women in six major cities across the world, as she was spotted speaking alongside fellow Olympian Ariarne Titmus.
The retired athlete was first pictured with her mystery man in September last year when they enjoyed an outing in Cairns.
Freeman threw her support behind another Indigenous initiative in a social media post she made last month.
She urged her 34,000 Instagram followers to watch the ‘incredible short film’ Change Direction, which ‘raises awareness about the mental health crisis in Aboriginal communities’.
Freeman looks to have fully recovered from the leg ailment that forced her to use crutches for an extended period in 2023, including when she made a surprise motivational visit to the Matildas camp during the World Cup.
She had an accident at home that left her needing surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon.
