"Born to Run" (Picture Book Edition) By Cathy Freeman, Charmaine Ledden-Lewis (Illustrator)
A gorgeous picture book that will inspire girls and boys everywhere to chase their dreams.
As a young girl, Cathy Freeman had a big dream — to one day win an Olympic gold medal. Her journey from a barefoot runner in regional Queensland to becoming one of Australia’s most celebrated athletes is one of resilience, family, pride, and belief.
At the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Cathy made history by winning gold in the 400 metres, carrying the hopes of a nation — and her culture — on her shoulders. Born to Run tells the story of that journey in Cathy’s own words, adapted for a younger audience.
With stunning illustrations by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis, this book is a celebration of strength, cultural identity and determination — and an inspiring read for all children dreaming big.
- ISBN: 9781761043802
- ISBN-10: 1761043803
- Audience: Children
- For Ages: 5 - 8 years old
- Format: Hardcover
- Language: English
- Number Of Pages: 32
- Published: 2nd November 2021
- Publisher: Penguin Australia Pty Ltd
- Dimensions (cm): 1.1 x 24.2 x 29.5
- Weight (kg): 0.45
- Edition Number: 1
More About The Artist
More About The Artist


About Cathy Freeman
About Cathy Freeman
Cathy Freeman is a Kuku Yalanji and Birri Gubba woman and lives in Melbourne, Victoria, with her family. Cathy won her first race in primary school – the 80m dash at St Joseph’s Primary, Mackay, Queensland. She went on to become one of Australia’s leading athletes of the modern era. Her unforgettable win at the 2000 Sydney Olympics was the highlight of a brilliant career that has included a host of Commonwealth Games medals, two world titles and an Olympic silver medal. Cathy announced her retirement from athletics in July 2003. She founded the Cathy Freeman Foundation in 2007. The Foundation supports Indigenous students to fulfil their potential and reach their goals.
Cathy Freeman is a Kuku Yalanji and Birri Gubba woman and lives in Melbourne, Victoria, with her family. Cathy won her first race in primary school – the 80m dash at St Joseph’s Primary, Mackay, Queensland. She went on to become one of Australia’s leading athletes of the modern era. Her unforgettable win at the 2000 Sydney Olympics was the highlight of a brilliant career that has included a host of Commonwealth Games medals, two world titles and an Olympic silver medal. Cathy announced her retirement from athletics in July 2003. She founded the Cathy Freeman Foundation in 2007. The Foundation supports Indigenous students to fulfil their potential and reach their goals.