Cathy Freeman is spotted wearing knee tape as she makes rare public outing in Melbourne

There was a rare public sighting of Cathy Freeman on Wednesday as the Olympic legend appeared to still be suffering the effects of an injury. 

Freeman, 51, was spotted carrying a newspaper while wearing a flowy dress and Nike running shoes in Melbourne, where she is based in trendy suburb Brighton.

And the woman who captured the hearts and minds of the nation at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 was also seen sporting tape on her left knee, seemingly indicating an injury. 

Freeman suffered an unfortunate accident while at home last year, which left her needing surgery for a ruptured achilles tendon.

She had been seen using a walking stick after her surgery, but has since been able to move freely without the walking aid, indicating a full recovery from that particular injury.

The Olympics legend was seen wearing knee tape on her left leg while out and about

Freeman made headlines last September when the NSW government announced it would be naming a grandstand after her at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, where she thrilled the nation with her famous win on the track over 400m at the Games.

The Indigenous sporting legend said she was ‘deeply honoured and humbled’ to be permanently recognised at a stadium that held such a special place in her heart.

‘I hope that my story continues to inspire generations of girls and boys to chase their own dreams in sport and life,’ she said.

Freeman called time on her sporting career in 2003, adamant winning Olympic gold three years earlier was the pinnacle achievement of her sporting career.

‘I won’t ever have the same fulfilling moment,’ she explained.

‘I don’t have the same hunger. I know what it takes to be a champion, to be the best in the world, and I just don’t have that feeling right now.’

Freeman then created the Cathy Freeman Foundation, an organisation which supports Indigenous students.

Freeman watched the Matildas beat Uzbekistan at Marvel Stadium earlier this year

She was also an ambassador for the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation until 2012.

Meanwhile, Matildas defender Aivi Luik revealed that an unexpected pre-game talk from Freeman was the catalyst for their recent 10-0 win over Uzbekistan, which sealed Olympic qualification.

The Aussie women’s side only needed a draw to ensure safe passage to the Paris Olympics – but hammered their opposition at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

A special moment unfolded on the field as the notoriously reclusive Freeman appeared on the pitch, posing for photos with players – including fellow Indigenous star Mary Fowler.